Gas Pump Money Saving Tips

Gas prices are zooming sky high with no ceiling in sight. Do you remember when a gallon of unleaded cost $1.25?
These days, it’s more important than ever to stretch your dollars at the gas pump.
Here are ten gasoline buying tips to help you do that.
1. Shop Around
Prices vary among stations that sell the same brand. Find a station that sells your favorite brand cheaper. Prices between brands can vary. You can save money by switching brands.
2. Use a Gasoline Credit Card
Some give a 5 to 10 percent rebate on purchases.
3. Buy Gasoline in the Morning
Gasoline is denser during the morning when temperatures are colder. Gas pumps measure and charge by volume, not density. You’ll be getting more solid fuel rather than vapors for your money.

4. Buy Gas from a Busy Station
Busy gas stations refill their underground tanks often. Slower stations don’t. Therefore, their tanks may have stale contaminated gas. Older fuel is poorer on fuel economy and performance.
5. Turn the Nozzle
Twist the gas pump nozzle 180 degrees when done. This can add up to an extra four ounces to your tank.
6. Stop Using High-Octane Gas
High-octane gas costs more than regular. If you car isn’t pinging, use regular unleaded. You’ll save up to 20 cents per gallon.
7. Avoid Topping-Off
The pump needs time to draw out the full amount. It doesn’t get it when you Top-off. You pay extra for these short- burst of fuel. Wait until your tank is at least half-full before you fill it up.
8. Avoid Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
The refilling of underground tanks stirs up particles that lay at the bottom. If these particles get in to your gas tank, they can cut the fuel efficiency of your car.
9. Pump Your Own Gas
Use the self-serve rather than the full-serve pump. Full- serve gasoline costs more. You save money pumping gas yourself.
10. Tighten the Gas Cap
Twist the cap until you hear it click. This prevents gasoline from evaporating and escaping.
Final Thought
These ten tips are easy to apply. Remember to use them each time at the gas pump. You’ll be stretching your gas dollars.


About The Author

Leroy Chan makes available a special report that exposes the tricks drivers must learn to avoid paying too much for a tank of gas. Information on this and more can be found on his site:
http://www.gaspumpmoneysavingtips.com/

Consider Fuel Efficiency When Buying a Car

When you need to buy your next automobile make sure that fuel economy doesn't get lost in the shuffle.  Buying a compact car with good gas mileage is both friendly to the environment and your pocket book.  You will enjoy the savings throughout the life of the vehicle.
There is a lot to consider when buying a car.  If you are buying a used car the condition of the clutch, brakes, engine and transmission will play a huge role in how much that car will cost to operate.  Even minor problems can result in $300 repairs.
With new cars you need to find the make and model that has a proven track record and fits your needs.  Make sure that fuel efficiency plays a role in your decision making. If you emerge from the car buying process with a fuel efficient car you will burn up less cash in your tank and have more money to spend on things that matter.
Take advantage of what is known.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the one thing you can easily and accurately predict is how much gas you are going to use.  Gas prices may fluctuate but most people can spend a week or two logging their gas consumption and get a good idea of how many gallons they use.  If you don't already, track your gas consumption so you can use this information when purchasing a car.
Make it the #1 priority.
One way to make sure that fuel efficiency is considered is to start by looking at cars that get good gas mileage.  Make it the #1 priority and see where that leads you.  The problem with today's car market is car manufacturers know that gas mileage is not a major consideration when purchasing a new vehicle for many U.S. customers.
Crunching the numbers.
When you are evaluating a car's fuel efficiency, ask yourself how long you think you will be driving the car and determine how much gas will cost.
Let's say you want to get a used car for $5,000 and hope to drive it for 5 years.  Below are some 5 year gas cost estimates based on driving 15,000 miles per year and buying gas for $1.40 per gallon.  If gasoline is more expensive than $1.40, the costs will be even higher.
A Sampling of Used Cars:

 1994 Ford Explorer SUV (2WD)

5 year gas estimate = $5525
 1994 Honda Accord Sedan

5 year gas estimate = $3885
 1994 Honda Civic DX Sedan

5 year gas estimate = $2385

A Sampling of New Cars:

 2004 Ford Explorer 2WD

5 year gas estimate = $6175
 2004 Honda Accord

5 year gas estimate = $3750
 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid

5 year gas estimate = $2235
 2004 Toyota Prius Hybrid

5 year gas estimate = $1910

This is a small sampling of cars but you get the picture.  Unless you really need an SUV or large truck, you can save a lot of money by buying a fuel efficient compact car.  You will sacrifice size and sometimes luxury when choosing fuel economy first. Part of this is because bigger cars and trucks are heavier and will naturally get worse gas mileage.  But it is also a function of consumers not worrying about gas mileage when they make a decision on purchasing a new or used car.
A great site for comparing cars fuel economy is http://www.fueleconomy.org/.  At http://www.fueleconomy.org/ you can compare numerous makes and models of both new and used cars and set the default gas costs to reflect the current prices.  The numbers above are based on a $1.40 regular gas price which is really hard to find right now.  In the case of the 1994 Ford Explorer you likely pay as much in gas over a 5 year span as you payed for the vehicle in the first place.
Put fuel economy first and you will find yourself with more money in your pocket.



About The Author

Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/
fisher@thriftyfun.com

Negotiating Tips When You Buy A Car

Negotiating a good deal can be very profitable when you buy a car.
Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. And when you consider that negotiating will almost always get you a better deal, you'll be more inclined to try it.
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you're dealing with an expert. You will need to know how to get through their "car speak" in order to be successful.
Once you learn to calculate your offer and know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.

If you've followed these tips, and are pre-approved for a loan, you must next focus on getting in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the salesman will certainly find more loopholes to hike up your costs if you stay.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
- Remain positive and confident
- Don't talk down to your opponent
- Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up
- Bring ads from other dealerships with you
- Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees
- Bring a friend with you for extra support


About The Author

Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.usgastracker.org/, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands or gas stations across the nation are contacted daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.Go get your cheaper gas now!
http://www.usgastracker.org/
petelance1@yahoo.com