Cheaper, Better, Faster Mary Hunt - Baker Publishing Group

Cheaper, Better, FasterGas fill-up—make itWednesday morningsOn average, Wednesday is thecheapest day to buy gas andthe earlier in the day, the better.Many station owners waitto see their competitors’ pricesto make their own adjustments.While this is not alwaystrue, consistently buying gason Wednesday mornings hasbeen shown to minimize theprice you’ll pay over time.Every little bit helps.Gas grade—go with whatis recommendedMake sure you use the octanegrade gasoline recommendedin your car owner’s manual.Using a more expensivehigher-octane gas than recommendedwill deliver no benefit,and a lower-octane gas thanrecommended could damagethe engine.Gas mileage—betterwith an empty trunkDon’t carry more than youneed. A light load resultsin much better gas mileage.Clean out heavy items fromthe trunk, and leave only thespare tire and safety equipment.Don’t make your car amobile warehouse for stuff youcan just as easily leave in thegarage.Gas mileage—betterwith turns on redSave gasoline and contributeto the long life of your car’sengine by taking advantage of“right turn on red” laws. Aftercoming to a complete stop,if the way is clear, turn righton that red light and keepmoving. Unnecessary idlingtime spent at red lights wastesyour fuel and that of the carsbehind you. Cut idle time andyou cut carbon and sludgebuildup.Gas mileage—skip theroof and trunk racksIf you’d like to increase yourgas mileage, avoid roof andtrunk racks. These things affectaerodynamics and significantlyreduce gas mileage.22Mary Hunt, Cheaper, Better, FasterRevell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2013. Used by permission.