Before you make any drastic financial and lifestyle sacrifice, consider these tips from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and gasbuddy.com:
Slow down.
No matter what kind of car or truck you drive, gas mileage drops dramatically at speeds over 60 mph. As a general rule, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon of gas.
Be gentle.
Avoid jack-rabbit starts and sudden stops, which can lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% around town, according to the Energy Department.
Lighten your load.
Try not to keep unnecessary items in your car, especially heavy ones. Each 100 pounds of extra weight can reduce fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.
Scout out cheap gas.
Check out gasbuddy.com or gaspricewatch.com to find the best prices in your area. Wednesday morning is the best time to buy gasoline according to gaspricewatch.com. That's because prices usually move up for the weekend, after which they settle, hitting the low point by Wednesday.
And it makes sense to buy your gas in the morning when it's the coolest time of day. This is when gasoline is most dense. Gas pumps charge by the volume of gasoline, not the density, so in colder temperatures you'll get more for your dollar.
Gas stations in affluent areas and near major freeway exits tend to be more expensive. In major metropolitan areas, outlying suburbs tend to have the lowest gas prices, according to the website. If you're not in a hurry when you're traveling, gasbuddy.com suggests driving a few blocks from the freeway exit to find cheaper gas prices.
Skip traditional gas stations.
Check out wholesale clubs, grocery stores or department stores with gas stations on site. Gasbuddy.com says these businesses often sell gas at discounted prices to entice people into their stores and may offer credit for in-store purchases when you fill up with gas. But look out for service stations with on-site auto repair shops. Gasbuddy.com reports they often charge more for gas.
Keep your car in shape.
Worn spark plugs, low transmission fluid and dragging brakes can suck your gas tank dry. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules and get regular engine tune-ups. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40%.
Avoid idling.
A gas-powered car at idle gets zero miles per gallon. If you're not in traffic, but expect to wait longer than one minute, consider turning off your vehicle. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine. Also, look into hybrid cars which can run on battery power when idling.
Don't neglect your tires.
Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure you have them aligned periodically. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Plus, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
Purify the air.
Replacing dirty air filters can increase gas mileage by up to 10% while also keeping impurities from damaging your car's engine.
Choose the right oil.
All oils are not created equal — and that's especially true when it comes to engine oil. Using only the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil cited in your owner's manual can improve your fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%.
Use the right gas.
Regular octane works just fine for most cars. However, when your car's manufacturer indicates premium gas is required, using a lower grade could damage your car, adversely affecting fuel efficiency.
But when premium gas is only recommended, not required, go for the cheaper, lower octane gas, says Phillip Reed of Edmunds.com.
Higher octane gas has only a marginal effect on performance, usually in the area of acceleration, according to Reed.
Air cents
Think about your own car's aerodynamics. Even an empty roof rack creates drag. Loaded with luggage, skis or a cooler, a roof rack can reduce fuel economy by 21 percent, says Reed.
Driving style
Changing from an aggressive, hard accelerating, hard braking, driving style to a more relaxed style incorporating gentle acceleration and cruise control on the highway, can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 35 percent, according to an Edmunds.com study.
"People are scared. It's hitting them right in the wallet," says Jason Toews, co-founder of gasbuddy.com, an online gasoline information site. "A number of people tell me their gas bill is more than their car payment. That's a foreign concept to a lot of folks."
Yet, because the high price of gas is a reality that's unlikely to change anytime soon, we can benefit greatly by using some of these tips to help save gas, save money, and still enjoy your summer days in Sacramento!
Sources: CNN, USAA