How to Cope With High Gas Prices and Inflation
6 Tips for Maximizing Your Fuel Efficiency
Record-high gas prices and inflation are making everything expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your commute, Kids Car Donations shares some strategies that could help you save on gas.
- Watch your speed.
Experts say gas mileage in most vehicles decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 miles per hour. Obeying the speed limit, accelerating, and braking gently and gradually can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage by 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Vehicles also use the most energy when accelerating, so it’s best to use cruise control on the highway to help you maintain a constant speed.
- Reduce your vehicle load.
Additional items on your vehicle mean more weight, which in turn means more fuel to propel your vehicle. For example, an extra 100 pounds in your trunk could reduce your gas mileage by about 1%. Carrying rooftop cargo increases air drag, reducing gas mileage from 2% to 5% in city driving and 6% to 17% on the highway.
- Get a tune-up.
A regular tune-up of your car’s engine can increase your gas economy by up to 40%. If regular tune-up isn’t performed on your car’s engine, your vehicle may not operate as efficiently as it should.
- Avoid premium gas.
There’s no need for premium gas unless your car manufacturer specifically demands it with labels like “premium only” or “premium required” on the fuel filler door or gas gauge. Most cars will run fine on regular gas with no damage to the engine.
- Combine your trips.
Another effective way to reduce gas consumption is by combining all your trips. Make a to-do list and map a route for a seamless errand run. Doing so saves not only time but gas as well.
This tip also works well in cooler weather. Warming up your car’s engine requires gas and energy. Combined trips can save you from unneeded vehicle warm-ups.
- Don’t idle for long.
One common misconception is that sitting in your parked car does not require gas. It does. Although fuel consumption is lower than driving, an idling vehicle still consumes gas. According to studies, idling for more than 10 seconds consumes more gas and emits more CO2 than turning off and restarting your car.
Looking for the Best Way to Dispose of Your Malfunctioning Car?
Why waste money having your old car repaired time and time again? If your auto has become prone to malfunction due to old age or heavy usage, it’s best to clear out your garage by donating that vehicle to us at Kids Car Donations.
Our team will sell your donated vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the healthcare programs of leading children’s nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to providing medical assistance to youngsters from indigent families who are suffering from serious illnesses and disabilities.
They use the funding we give them to provide their young beneficiaries with free treatments and therapies, emotional well-being support, and social service resources.
Your donation will also benefit you in more ways than one. It will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You’ll also benefit from our free professional towing service, which we will provide you at your convenience anywhere in the country.
Best of all, your charitable contribution will leave you with a deep sense of personal satisfaction, knowing that you’ve done something special for the ailing boys and girls in your community.
Since we accept nearly all vehicle types, don’t hesitate to donate your unwanted car, truck, van, or even your father’s old golf cart. The vehicle’s age or condition won’t matter to us.
Check out our FAQs page to learn more about Kids Car Donations, particularly our quick and easy donation process. For your questions and concerns, feel free to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-634-8395. You may also message us here.
Reach Out to the Ailing Kids In Your Community Today!
Don’t let your unwanted car rot away in your garage. Hand it over to us and we’ll use it to help save children’s lives. Call Kids Car Donations at 866-634-8395 or fill out our secure online donation form now!