There's no mystery that gas prices can sky-rocket one week, and bottom out again the next. However, there are some key things you can do to take back control of your fuel's economy, and keep the gas-crunch out of your wallet. And, if you're a backyard car mechanic, you're probably working on your car or truck daily to get that extra ounce of gas mileage.
Here are some great fuel-saving tips:
1. Gas-up in the Morning
The best time to buy gas is in the morning. Service stations store their tanks in the ground, and the cooler morning ground temperatures make the gas denser. As the day warms, the gas expands, and you get the exact gallons of gas you're paying for.
2. Pump Gas Slower
Take your time when pumping gas. If you're using the low setting on the gas pump trigger, the vapors will be minimized when pumping. The medium and high speeds will cause some of the gas to go back into your tank as vapor. In short, you're getting less for your money when this occurs.
3. Don't wait to Fill Up
Fill up when your tank is half full. The reason being, there will be less air to occupy empty space. A good rule of thumb is, the fuller the tank; the better the gas mileage.
4. Never Pump Dirty Gas
If you arrive at a gas station and a truck is filling up the ground tanks, it's best to find another station close by. Newly delivered gas stirs up the dirt at the bottom of the tanks, and dirty gas can cut down on your gas mileage considerably.
Why not make a few changes that can help your own life "run" a little better. Request our WyoTech DVD to learn about training opportunities in our Automotive Technology Training Program.
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Jessi Combs' motto, "It's not how big you are in the fight; it's how big the fight is in you," has taken her a long way...