Although the most interesting method to save on car
operating costs came from my chemistry teacher in high school (Buy your
gasoline in the early morning or at night when it is cold outside. Gas
becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Since gas pumps only measure the
volume of fuel - not the density - you'll get better overall gas
mileage for your money by purchasing fuel when it's cool outside rather
than in the heat of the day), the moment that will determine the true
amount you can save on your car costs comes before you even buy a car.
The simple fact is that the type of car you decide to purchase will
have the largest impact on the expenses you incur during the lifetime
of it.

Even if a large sports utility vehicle is your dream car, it's
probably a lot more than you really need. Taking some time to make a
list of the things you'll use the car for will help determine the
difference between your true needs and your wants. It's important to
remember that each additional want you add above what you really need
will cost you not only at the time of purchase, but in most cases well
down the road with an increase in maintenance and operating costs.

The size of the car you decide to purchase will have a direct
effect on its operating costs. Purchasing the smallest car possible for
your driving needs will save you a tremendous amount in gasoline
charges. Small cars weigh about half as much as larger cars which
results in about half as much fuel being used.

Once you have decided on the size of car, it's worthwhile
taking the time to research the safety ratings of the different cars in
that size range. Not only will this improve your chances of staying
alive in an accident, it will likely reduce your car insurance costs. A
quick call to your car insurance company will tell you the tale.
Remember, if you keep your car for 7 years, a $25 a month difference in
insurance costs adds up to over $2,100 over the lifetime of the car.

Once you have a car, taking some simple steps can reduce your
operating costs by hundreds of dollars. For example, if you reduce your
gas consumption by $20 a week, it will save you over $1,000 a year.
Most people can easily save this amount (and often much more) by simply
changing their driving habits and paying a little more attention to
their cars.

By far the best way to reduce your car expenses is to use your
car only when necessary. Cars are extremely convenient and this causes
people to use them much more often than they really need to. By simply
asking yourself, "Is this trip really necessary?" you can greatly
decrease the amount you drive.

For short trips close to home, try walking or riding your
bicycle. Not only will you save money on your car expenses,you'll also
get some healthy exercise. When you go shopping or run errands, take a
little time to plan and combine them all into one outing instead of
several. Of course, car pooling and using mass transportation systems
when possible are always excellent ways to reduce car expenses. If you
can find a different way to commute to work rather than by your car,
there is a good chance that this will result in a discount in your car
insurance.

There are also a number of steps you can take to reduce your
driving expenses while using you car. Here's a quick list of some
actions you may want to consider while driving.

*** Take the time to check your car's tire pressure each month.
Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by 2% for every pound they
are under inflated. Under inflation also causes premature tire wear
giving your tires a shorter use life.

*** Drive at the speed limit. Cars use about 20% more fuel driving at 70 miles per hour than they do at 55 miles per hour.

*** Avoid driving fast in low gears. Driving at high speeds in the improper gear can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%.

*** Avoid using air conditioning whenever possible. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by 10% to 20%.

*** Don't open windows when traveling at high speeds. Open
windows on the highway can reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. It is much
better to use the ventilation system. Also remember to remove car racks
and other items which make your car less aerodynamic when they're not
being used. Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace on the highway
to increase fuel economy.

*** Avoid rough roads. Driving on roads made of dirt or gravel can reduce fuel economy by up to 30%.

*** Don't let your car idle. Even on cold mornings, there's no
need to let your car idle for more than 30 seconds. Newer cars are
designed to be driven almost immediately and letting your car idle
longer is a waste of gas. In addition, it's more efficient to turn off
your car and turn it on again than to let it idle for more than 45
seconds while waiting.

*** Remove all excess weight from your car. Many people use
their car trunk as a storage space adding unneeded pounds to the car's
weight. This unnecessary weight reduces the car's fuel efficiency.

*** Try to accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid stops
when driving. Gunning engines, quickly accelerating, and abrupt stops
all waste fuel. Try to avoid driving during rush hour periods when you
know traffic will be stop and go. If you do find yourself in stop and
go traffic, try to maintain a crawl. When approaching hills or steep
slopes, accelerate before the hill. Accelerating once on the slope will
consume much more gas.

*** Service your car regularly while paying special attention
to oil and filters. Blocked air flow from clogged air filters will
increase fuel waste. Also check your car's alignment since this can
cause engine drag which will also increase gas waste.

*** Periodically calculate your car's fuel efficiency. A loss
in fuel efficiency is an indication of possible mechanical problems.

To really see how much you can save by using the above
information, don't change your driving habits this week, but take note
of the number of miles your drive and calculate your car's current fuel
economy. The following week begin initiating any of the above ideas
which you aren't currently utilizing. You are sure to be surprised by
how much you can save over your regular driving habits, and you'll be
able to enjoy some extra money jingling in your pockets.