In my home state, where gas is usually either under $2 or just above. We are approaching $3, which to me seems like a fortune and I understand that might seem cheap to some states.
But, I decided to tell my tips on how to save some pennies, or even dollars depending on your gas prices.
RPMs, this might sound pretty common sense, but try and keep your RPMs under 3,000. If you can keep it at or under 2,500 you are doing really good. I usually get 30 more miles to the tank. Sometimes more sometimes less. (I'm not sure if all vehicles change gears around the 3,000 mark but the few vehicles I've had the chance to drive did. So this might vary.) I've tried keeping my RPMs as close to 2,000 but it's very hard while accelerating and acceleration is at a turtles pace.
You'll accelerate slower, but you will save some money.
This one is where I save the most, but it's a higher up-front cost. E10 gasoline is around 2.50 where I live. 100% gasoline is at 2.70. Just giving you an idea on price differences. 100% is anywhere from 20 to 30 cents more than E10.
100% gasoline has more power than E10 (studies says it doesn't, but my car definitely runs better in everyway on 100%). It's also more efficient. I think studies say around a third more efficient.
If I'm on the highway only I can get 500+ miles to the tank. E10 I'm lucky to get 375. (I don't let my tank run down past a quarter, so I'm not sure the exact numbers but I clock my miles every tank. So I'm pretty sure of these numbers.)
In town, I average 400 miles on 100%. E10 I get 320.
In town, I would say the savings are probably pennies, maybe a dollar. Just because traffic conditions and which streets you take can vary widely.
But, on average it only costs 2~4 more than E10, depending on prices. That's basically 1 more gallon of gas. My car gets about 28 mpg in town and 38 mpg on highway, on average anyway. Sounds crazy when I did the math, since I have a 03 Honda. Thats with 100% gasoline by the way.
So, highway is really where it shines.
Also, I only fill up on gas every week and a half. Almost two weeks but not quite. Before I switched over, I was filling up almost every week. I could push maybe 9 days, but I'd really be cutting it.
Like with every penny saving things, this is something that saves you some money over a period of time. But, only if you can afford the initial price. If it costs you $30 to fill up, it might cost $35 on 100% and that could make or break your bank.
I started thinking in terms of miles per tank instead of $ per tank. And that's what lead me to saving maybe $20 to $40 a year on gas. That's almost a full priced video game. Who knows what that will allow you to save up for.
Do some math on your end, because price difference could be too great. You're mileage may vary, though.
And make sure your cars engine can take 100% gasoline. Not sure why it wouldn't be able too, but after seeing a lawnmower only being able to accept E10, it's always good to check. Don't want to ruin an engine.
Edited for typos, I guess I can't read or type well when tired.
April 10, 2019 at 03:28AM
