Using Resources Wisely - Part 6 Having Fun Pinching Pennies & Stretching Gasoline

In my last post I posed the question, “Can you really save money on gas, without driving less?” Guess what! I found someone who says yes we can. Joe Stronsick wrote a book out of frustration from high gas prices in 2001called, How to Get Up to $7 Worth of Free Gas Every Time You Fill Up. I wonder what he would have to say about $3.99/gallon. As a result of uncovering research and test data on fuel economy from car and oil manufacturers he discovered state-of-the-art techniques for getting more miles per gallon.

In an interview on CNN Stronsick reveals some of these gas saving techniques and surprisingly they have measurable results.

Tip #1 Add four to six extra pounds in each tire… it equals two to three more miles per gallon without any tire degradation.

Tip #2 Spark plugs such as a Bosch or a Halo will give you better fuel economy by 10 percent. They last 100,000+ miles. Wow 10% is a big jump and 100,000 miles is a lot of wear.

Tip #3 Make a better choice in motor oil. Synthetic oil with the key words “energy-conserving” on the back logo, will give you an increase of fuel economy of five percent, and … A synthetic oil can last 10,000 to 15,000 miles before you have to change it.

Tip #4 Stronsick says during summer oil companies use less crude oil and add their own aromatic chemicals to the gas to save money and give you less fuel economy (because we drive more). He calls it “watered down” gas. I always thought this was an urban legend. He goes on to say watered down gas is harmful to car engines because cars are not able to burn these aromatic properties efficiently. It clogs up fuel injectors and builds up carbon and varnish in the engine. As a result all cars require a fuel-injection clean out at 30,000 miles. To combat the “watered down gasoline,” use a quality fuel additive. That will also give you more miles per gallon.

This information got me so excited I ordered the book yesterday. I am especially interested in any tips that cost little or no money. You know, I am always looking to make the best use of what I have at any moment (link to part 1).

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