Get More Gas For Your Buck Or Credit Card
Published May 5th, 2008 in Credit News.
This is a bit off topic considering I typically write about credit related news, but it still falls under the money saving scope of the site, so I thought I’d include it.
I was sent an e-mail regarding the recent rise in gas prices that included some practical ways to get the most bang for your buck when paying at the pump.
Buy Gas in the Morning
This seems to be well proven and rather interesting. The idea behind this tip is that colder gas is denser gas, so you’re getting more gas, or really just the proper amount.
As the day goes by and things heat up, gas expands and thus you’re gallon may no longer actually be a gallon.
It’s a real issue, and one lawmakers tried to get gas stations to address by compensating paying customers as temperatures changed. Of course that law seemed to get buried before gaining any strength.
Avoid Buying Gas When a Delivery Truck is Present
If you approach a gas station and see the tanker pumping gas into the station’s reserves, avoid it.
The idea here is that the tank below the station is getting stirred up with all types of dirt and soot, leading to poorer quality gas that can lead to weaker performance and even harm to your vehicle.
Typically all the gunk settles on the bottom of the gas station’s storage tank, so the gas is cleaner when a truck isn’t present.
Pump Gas Slowly
I haven’t noticed this, but apparently gas pumps have three different speed settings you can choose from.
Keeping the nozzle on the slow mode supposedly minimizes the amount of vapor created while pumping, thus giving you more gas and less vapor. This is probably minimal, but another tip from a seasoned pro in the industry for more than 30 years.
Don’t Let the Tank Go Empty
This one is disputed, and basically calls for drivers to fill up once the tank hits the half way mark.
The idea here is that the more empty space in the gas tank, the more evaporation. I know this has been argued both ways, so I can’t necessarily endorse it.
Plus it seems like a pain to fill up your tank more often.
All that said, the simplest ways to conserve gas are to keep your tires properly inflated and drive at steady, reasonable speeds.
Oh yeah, and you can use a credit card that provides cash rebates for buying gas…
(photo: futureatlas)
