In general, good car maintenance and relaxed driving habits will give your better mileage. This was the main point of my first article on how to save gas. If you haven’t read that yet, I suggest that you do because it mentions a lot of the most obvious ways to save fuel that we often ignore and overlook.

Moving on, as fuel prices continue to go up in most parts of the world, including our own, one is forced to find more ways to save money on gasoline expenses. So after experimenting, researching online and asking my fellow drivers on what they do to make the most out of their car’s fuel, I now present to you 9 more tips:

1. Survey gasoline prices.
Make it a habit to note the prices of the gasoline stations you often pass. You’ll discover that they significantly vary. This way, you’ll know where exactly to gas up. For example, here in Metro Manila, gasoline prices of the same brand are higher in Makati than in Parañaque.

2. Turn off the aircon near your destination.
If the air outside is tolerable for you, then it’s better to roll down your windows when driving around the busy city. However, if you’re using the airconditioner, you should turn it off around 5 minutes before you arrive. The little fuel you save will add up significantly in the end.

3. Stop looking for that perfect parking spot.
How many times have you driven around the parking lot several times, hoping to see a slot near the mall entrance? Remember that you are wasting gas by doing this. Just park at the first vacant spot and walk.

4. Do your errands in one day.
This is pretty much common sense but most people fail to do this because of improper time management. Write down your usual tasks for the week such as banking and grocery shopping and decide on which day you can effectively accomplish them all.

5. Drive behind large vehicles.
This proven technique is also called drafting. The theory basically states that by placing yourself behind a bigger vehicle, aerodynamics will effectively lessen your air resistance and thus, decrease the need to use gasoline to maintain speed. Just a warning, this can be dangerous if you’re not a seasoned driver.

6. Put your car in neutral.
Also referred to as coasting. This prevents you from constantly pressing the gas pedal to maintain your speed. Ideal when you’re driving on a straight road that’s free of traffic. Be careful though, this is illegal in some parts of the world. But here in the Philippines, I always do this in C5.

7. Go to the bathroom before you leave.
This will prevent you from making unnecessary stops. And this goes out to all your passengers as well.

8. Try less popular gas companies.
Here in the Philippines, the industry is dominated by Petron, Shell and Caltex. Because of this, they are also the most expensive. Why don’t you try the least popular but cheaper fuel companies? I’ve tried Seaoil, Jetti and Flying V.

9. Use discount cards
Most major credit card companies in the Philippines offer rebates and a 24-hour price increase buffer to their partner fuel stations. If you have these cards, it’s wise to use them often. As for me, I use my SM Advantage membership card in Petron to earn myself points which I can convert to gift certificates in SM Supermalls.

How about you? Do you have more gas saving tips? Please share them below. If you want learn more ways to save money, then subscribe to Ready To Be Rich.

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Photo courtesy of Cutiemoo