Driving can be expensive — gas, vehicle maintenance, repairs, and more. So, you may find yourself searching for some money saving driving tips. By following a few simple routine changes, you can save and keep some extra money in your pocket.

Money Saving Driving Tips

Drive More Efficiently

Efficient driving means high gas efficiency. But, what does that involve?

Driving efficiently means accelerating slowly, avoiding sudden stops and starts, and maintaining a steady speed. Driving at a consistent speed can help you save up to 30% on gas. Additionally, driving at a lower speed can also help you save money, as it reduces the amount of wind resistance your car has to overcome.

Money Saving Driving Tips, Northwest Auto Center of Houston

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Properly inflated tires can help you save money on gas and reduce the risk of tire damage —a two for one special.

When your tires are underinflated, your car has to work harder to move, which can decrease your gas mileage. On the other hand, overinflated or underinflated tires can increase the risk of a blowout and damage. Check your tire pressure regularly, and make sure it’s at the recommended level.

Avoid Excessive Idling

One of our big money saving driving tips isn’t even about driving, it’s about turning your engine off. If you don’t need to move, don’t turn your engine on.

Idling can waste a lot of gas and increase your emissions. Instead of turning on the car and scrolling on your phone or idling while waiting for a friend, turn your vehicle off. For the ultimate “no-idling” move, look into vehicles with auto stop-start technology when you’re ready for a new car.

Plan Your Route

Planning your route can help you save time and money. By taking the most efficient route, you can reduce your mileage and save money on gas. Additionally, you can avoid traffic jams and reduce the wear and tear on your car (and your mental state).

Use Cruise Control

Cruise control can help you save money on gas by maintaining a steady speed. It can keep your lead foot in check as well, reducing the acceleration and deceleration during your commute.

Just make sure to use it safely! When in traffic or congested areas, make sure you’re staying alert and ready to quickly adjust your speed.

Avoid Overloading Your Car

A heavy car can increase gas consumption as your vehicle moving.

And all that weight causes a serious workout for your suspension and shocks. Keeping the extra stuff out of your trunk can save you from an earlier than normal suspension repair.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular car maintenance can help you save money in the long run. By keeping your car in good condition, you can avoid expensive repairs and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Make sure you follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your car, checking your fluid levels and components regularly.

Use the Correct Oil

Using the correct oil for your engine allows your engine to run efficiently. Make sure you use the recommended type of oil for your car, and change it regularly.

Drive Less

Finally, one of the most effective ways to save money on driving is to simply drive less. Now we aren’t saying trade in your vehicle for public transportation. We are saying plan out your trips, if you know you have multiple errands to run, run them together instead of one errand at a time. Try to combine trips to drive (and spend) less.

Keep Driving, But Save Money Too

Driving doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these money saving driving tips, you can reduce your expenses and increase your savings. Remember to drive efficiently as possible, keep your tires properly inflated, avoid excessive idling, plan your route, use cruise control, avoid overloading your car, maintain your car, use the right oil, and drive less.

In need of some vehicle maintenance or repairs? Northwest Auto Center of Houston has you covered. Call us today at (281) 894-8880.