Easy Ways for San Diego Drivers to Save Money on Gas

Easy Ways for San Diego Drivers to Save Money on Gas

"On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again."

Willie Nelson

Driving during peak hours can be murder on your gas mileage.

"On the Road Again" is one of Willie Nelson's best known (and most often quoted) songs, but if he and his friends had had to pay today's gas prices there's a pretty good chance he'd have been singing a different tune! The sting of last summer's record highs and the currently climbing prices at the pumps have left many San Diego drivers looking for new and creative ways to save money on gas.

Paying for gas is a necessary evil that goes hand in hand with the privilege of climbing behind the wheel. It's not your car's fault that we're still dependent on fossil fuels, which means it's up to you to find ways to save money on gas and cut the cost of your commute.

Here's what the experts have to say about saving money at the pump:

§ The best way for any driver to save money on gas is to keep their car in good repair. Picture an Olympic athlete. They burn far less energy running for a mile or two than a first time jogger would because they're in better shape. Their bodies work more efficiently! When your car is in good shape it too will be able to work more efficiently, saving you big bucks on gas. Keep your oil changed and your tires properly inflated, and don't forget to take your car in for regular tune-ups. You might be surprised at the difference a little TLC can make!

§ Slow down! While there's undoubtedly something about Interstate 5 that just screams at you to hit the gas (it could be all the other screaming drivers in the lanes next to you) driving over 60 mph burns more gas than sticking to lower speeds. Maintain the speed limit, but try to avoid pushing 80 when you're behind the wheel-no matter what the driver behind you has to say about it.

§ Spend less time behind the wheel. You're probably not going to get out of your morning commute (although there's definitely something to be said for telecommuting when it comes to your gas tank) but taking public transportation can save a ton of money on your gas bill. Walk or bike whenever possible, and combine trips when you're out. There's no reason not to go to the grocery store while you're downtown anyway.

§ Invest in a hybrid. The combo of electric and gas energy used by most of today's popular hybrids can more than double your gas mileage.

§ Air conditioning burns more gas than driving without, especially if your car's parked in your driveway cooling off before you hit the highways. Save money on gas by decreasing the amount of time your car spends sitting around, and replace air conditioning with an open window or sunroof whenever possible.

§ Avoid stop and go traffic whenever possible. Again, idling is very, very bad for your gas mileage. Sitting at a stop light or out on the highway during rush hour filing your nails and contemplating the meaning of life is wasting gas, so if you can time your commute to skip peak traffic times your gas mileage (and your nerves) will thank you.

It's virtually impossible to get out of paying for gas altogether, but if you're conscientious in your driving and car care habits it won't be long before you too can enjoy being on the road again.