According to USA Today, the average Houston resident commutes more than 40 minutes to work each day. Gas prices in Houston may be less expensive than the national average, but Houston drivers typically spend more time behind the wheel.
In addition, Houstonians pay among the highest car insurance rates in the U.S. Saving money on fuel can help residents offset other driving-related expenses.
Houston is a driving city and Houston buyers want to know how to save more on fuel this year. This post shares at least four ways to save on fuel in Houston.
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#1: Fuel Economy, Chemistry & Physics
Avoid Idling
When possible, avoid idling. When your motor idles, it gets zero miles per gallon. When idle for longer periods of time, e.g. when you pull off the road to make a mobile call, consider turning off your engine if there’s no chance of collision. (Note: turning off the engine may disable safety functions in your vehicle.)
You’ll use approximately the same amount of gas to restart the engine as allowing the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
Eliminate Weight
You’ll get better gas mileage by cleaning out the trunk or removing any unnecessary weight in the vehicle:
Each 200 pounds of added weight shaves about a mile from your fuel efficiency. If you store unnecessary items in the trunk, remove them.
Remove luggage or ski racks when you don’t need them to improve fuel efficiency.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
All Houston car owners should buy a tire gauge and check tire inflation often. By inflating your vehicle’s tires to the manufacturer recommended level, you improve fuel economy. Just one under-inflated tire can reduce fuel efficiency by at least two percent/pound of pressure lower than the proper inflation level.
About one in four drivers has underinflated tires. If the tire is under-inflated by at least 4-5 psi less than the manufacturer recommended pressure level, fuel consumption goes up by about 10 percent. Over time, this reduces the tire tread life by about 15 percent.
Resist the Urge to Fill Up with Premium Gas
There’s no need to buy higher-octane gasoline unless your vehicle requires premium fuel. Check your vehicle owner’s manual. If your owner’s manual doesn’t instruct you to fill up with premium, don’t. Buying regular gas can cut your fuel expenses by about 10 cents per gallon.
Observe the Speed Limit
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that you’ll improve fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent by observing the 55 mph speed limit instead of driving at 65 mph.
Consider Your Vehicle’s Aerodynamics
Reduce wind drag by keeping the windows closed. This way, air flows over the car’s body and doesn’t slow it down. Open windows, when driving at highway speeds, reduces fuel economy by approximately 10 percent. Run the vehicle’s climate system on “vent” or crack the windows to increase ventilation.
If you drive a pickup, lowering your tailgate may cause wind drag and reduce fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Read more: 4 Ways to Help Your Gas Mileage in Houston
#2: Fuel Economy & You
Shop for the Best Fuel Prices
GasBuddy.com can help you find the best prices for fuel in Houston. Alternatively, check out local wholesale clubs to find some of the cheapest gas prices in Houston.
Practice Energy Conservation
Commute to work with friends to save money on gas. Switch on the air conditioner only when it’s necessary. Your air conditioner may reduce fuel economy by at least five to 20 percent.
Park the vehicle in a shady area to lessen the possibility of gas evaporation. Because the vehicle remains cooler, the air conditioner won’t be required to work as hard later.
Anticipate Peak Traffic Flows
Reduce fuel consumption by anticipating traffic conditions. You’ll use less fuel and reduce brake wear.
When possible, avoid rush hour traffic. If you must drive in stop-and-go Houston commuter traffic, keep an eye on the vehicles in front or at the side of you.
Anticipate traffic light changes, upcoming stop signs, curves, etc., to avoid or decrease brake use. This will save fuel in the process.
Avoid Increasing Driving Speed
Don’t increase your speed when driving up a hill. Stepping on the gas pedal wastes fuel.
Use Cruise Control on the Highway
The need to change speed wastes gas. Using cruise control improves fuel economy.
Never Drive Aggressively
Various studies show that weaving in or out of traffic or making fast starts won’t save you time. It will put more stress on your brakes and tires, and it will reduce fuel economy.
Maintain light and steady pressure to reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes. According to the EPA, patient driving can improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent.
Proper Vehicle Maintenance
It might seem tempting to skip your car’s regular 3,000 maintenance schedule, but a dirty air filter or unaligned wheels will waste fuel.
Read the manufacturer’s user manual. Use property viscosity grade oils to improve your vehicle’s energy consumption.
Don’t Use the Car for Short Trips
If you’re heading up the street to the convenience store, leave the car at home. You’ll save fuel and get some exercise.
Take the Best Route
Choose the route with the fewest stops. Consider fuel efficiency, not just the time needed to go from point A to B.
Warm Up for Shorter Periods of Time
A warm car is comforting on a cold morning but fuel economy experts recommend limiting the warm up to 30 – 60 seconds. Idling the engine for more than 60 seconds wastes fuel and emits greenhouse gases into the air.
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#3: Buying Habits & Fuel Economy
Buy Fuel Early or Late in the Day
Buying gasoline early or late is a wise choice, especially during the warmest months. Gasoline temperatures are cooler in the earlier or later hours. As temperatures rise during the day, fuel density falls. The net effect is that the buyer gets less gas at the pump.
It’s also a good idea to buy gas on Monday. Prices tend to rise mid-week to Saturday. GasBuddy.com says that motorists can save hundreds per year by filling up early in the week.
Avoiding Filling Up Near the Highway
Gas stations at or near the highway are usually more pricey. Exit to find a less expensive gas station.
Watch Your Fuel Tank
Never drive with an almost-empty tank. You may be forced to pay higher prices to fill up.
Learn more: Driving tips to save gas
#4: More Ways to Save Money on Fuel
Drive a Manual Shift
Learn to drive manual. Shift up early and/or shift down late to save money on fuel, or shift into neutral to reduce transmission stress.
Buy a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Even if you’re not ready to buy a hybrid or electric car, it’s possible to trade up to greater fuel efficiency. Some recent model cars get 40 miles/gallon.
Get a Gas App for Your Smartphone
Download a gas app on your smartphone. You’ll find apps for iPhone, Android, and other devices.
Buy a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
If you must commute in rush hour traffic, consider a hybrid or electric vehicle in town to reduce gas costs. According to USA Today, the average Houston commuter spends $6,000 per year in gas.
Invest in a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Saving money on fuel is one of the fastest ways to improve your finances. Don’t wait for gas prices to plummet. Investing in a vehicle with greater fuel efficiency, proper vehicle maintenance, or carpooling to work can help you save money now.
Check out Shabana Motors' fuel-efficient, dependable used car inventory in Houston today.
