More ways to save money on gas

Updated

A few days ago, Zac Bissonnette clued us in on one of the easiest ways to save money on gas: slowing down. Studies have shown that driving over 60 miles per hour wastes a ton of gas, so that's the most logical way to save money while driving.

There are a few more gas-saving tips out there that might help you a little bit more. Each of these won't save you a ton of money, but collectively you might be a little better off. One idea is to look for low gas prices by using GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com. Of course, if you drive far out of your way to save a few pennies on your gas, you're no better off. But if you can find a better deal close to your regular route, go for it!

Buy your gas very early in the morning or very late at night. Gas station owners usually raise prices during the middle of the day, especially when nearing rush hour... the time when most people pump gas because of the convenience. Schedule your fill-up earlier or later, when you're more likely to get a better deal.

Get better gas mileage by slowing down (covered above) and by doing more gradual starts and stops. You waste gas every time you step hard on the accelerator. The same goes for stopping quickly, which wastes the gas you just pumped into flying down the street. Finally, doing regular maintenance on your car can help you save a little gas too. Properly inflated tires can go a long way toward optimal gas mileage, and clean filters, spark plugs, and the like can help your car run more efficiently.

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.

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