CNN: Buy gas most efficiently
What time you get to the pump
Wednesday morning is the best time to buy gasoline according to GasPriceWatch.com. That’s because prices usually move up for the weekend, after which they settle, hitting the low point by Wednesday.
And it makes sense to buy your gas in the morning when it’s the coolest time of day. This is when gasoline is most dense. Gas pumps charge by the volume of gasoline, not the density, so in colder temperatures you’ll get more for your dollar.
Driving style
Changing from an aggressive hard accelerating, hard braking, driving style to a more relaxed style incorporating gentle acceleration and cruise control on the highway, can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 35 percent, according to an Edmunds.com study.
A scan gauge can help determine the fuel efficiency of your car, according to Phillip Reed of Edmunds.com.
The device plugs into your steering column and helps you keep track of your fuel efficiency at any one moment. A scan gauge isn’t cheap. It may cost you $150 or more. Check your local auto parts store or go online to find out more about these devices.
“If you knew that flooring it cost you 50 cents, would you do that? Is it worth it?” asks Reed. “If you knew that one acceleration could cost you 25 cents — that could change your behavior.”
