Save Money Driving – Fuel Saving Tips 11 – 15

Gas pumpAre you driving to see family this holiday season? Taking a road trip to see the fam can be cheaper and more (or less) convenient than taking a flight.

If you haven’t noticed, in the past 10 days fuel prices have dropped 50 cents in many areas across the country. But don’t be deceived, they’re still a lot higher than they were just 5 years ago.

If you want to save money on driving, here’s our 5 site series on saving fuel. I’m posting across five websites, so make sure to check out all the tips!

Fuel Saving Driving Tips

Tips 1 – 5 Fearless Men

Tips 6 – 10 Fearless Dollar

Tips 11 – 15 AllThingsFinance.net

Tips 16 – 25 American Debt Project

Tips 25 – 30 Daily Tips Blog

11. Park in the shade

Control your cars temperature when you’re not in it will prevent you needing to use extra fuel to warm it up or cool it down. Park your car in the shade (or in your garage) if you can and crack your windows to allow air to circulate in the car, so you won’t have to keep the AC working as hard when you get in.

12. Cutoff your A/C or heater 5 minutes early

Turn off your air conditioner or heater 5 minutes before you reach your destination. Don’t keep it working up until that last second since you’re about to hop out!

13. Use your reverse gear minimally

This might sound like an odd one, but using reverse and then going back into drive uses more gas than almost any maneuver. It may be an inconsequential amount, but if you’re in and out of tight parking lots a lot, it might be something to keep in mind.

14. Try walking

For short trips, hop on a bike or walk. City dwellers do this all the time, and its health upside suburbanites and rural types may be missing out on.

15. Car-pool

Consider car-pooling and share or rotate the gas bill. You’ll save a ton of miles of wear to your car as well.

Car pools can help you get more done during your day as well. Whether it’s catching a little catnap (why’d we ever start calling these power naps??) or knocking out some emails, it can save hours to your week if you have a long commute.

I even try to plan going to parties or birthday events with friends rather than driving solo. Even driving 15 miles (30 miles round trip) means you’re spending $5-$10 in gas depending on your car.

Bonus: Don’t forget your wallet at home when driving to ship something. I did that earlier today—drove to my local postal store, parked and turned  off my car before I realized I’d need to drive back home to get my wallet!

Checkout gas saving tips 16 – 25 on American Debt Project!

[Featured image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmogle/]