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Stupid ways people try to save money on gas

Posted Jul 25 2008, 03:49 PM by Karen Datko
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We've read about how more people are running out of gas on their way to wherever. Were they short on money for gas, or were they employing one of Punny Money's "5 incredibly stupid ways people are trying to save money on gas"?

The fact is, with gas at more than $4 a gallon, auto clubs all over the country are reporting an increase in calls from stranded travelers. Some truly didn't have enough money for gas. "A select few morons are even running out of fuel on purpose -- just to get that free gallon of gas their automotive club or roadside-assistance program provides to get them going again," writes Nick at Punny Money. He's right.

The Freeway Service Patrol in California says some people are abusing its help. The patrol provides a free gallon of gas to stranded drivers who were running on empty.

Central Penn Auto Club spokeswoman Cindy Brough told The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa., that some stranded travelers expect a free tank of gas when they make a service call. But if you have only a basic AAA membership, you've got to pay for the gas that's delivered.

Among Nick's other stupid ways to save money on gas (click here to read his entire post and see his stickman cartoon):

Refilling as often as possible. This may be based on the erroneous belief that you'll save by keeping the gas in your tank from evaporating. Or, Nick says, maybe "it doesn't seem so bad when you're buying $5 or $10 worth of gas every other day instead of buying $50 worth of gas once a week."

Buying stuff to get free gas cards. "For example," Nick says, "buy $100 worth of jeans, get a $20 gas card. If you didn't actually need those $100 worth of jeans (or if you overpaid for them), then you just turned $4-a-gallon gas into $20-a-gallon gas."

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Comments

 

Keeping a full tank of gas at all times just adds extra weight which in turn decreases your gas mileage.  If you have a newer car then the gas does not evaporate as the gas caps are air tight.

C'mon...fill up when it’s empty and it will all balance out.

Also...turning your car off instead of idoling does not save fuel.  It actually takes 3 times as much fuel to re-start a car rather then idoling.  I think every one needs to understand how a combustion engine works.  The fuel pump has to prime the engine to start...hence the additional fuel being burned just to turn the crank over.  If you listen to your pump when you turn the key over just before the engine starts you will hear it running.  Yes…that is the sound of fuel leaving your gas tank before your car is even turned on.

As others have said…walk/bike to save gas.

jman (Posted 07.28.08 4:20 PM ) Report Abuse

  if you really want to save on gas and repairs.. DRIVE A HONDA..   I am 53 years old and parked my chevy and now drive my 1990 Honda civic with almost 300,00 miles on the clock..always around 42 to 45 mpg depending how much I use the AC. same engine and tranny, wonderfull car .  cheap to drive and own.

Robert (Posted 07.28.08 4:24 PM ) Report Abuse

Something should be done about TOLL BOOTHS! I see 1000's of gallons of gas being wasted to collect a $2 toll! Any ideas?

Tony (Posted 07.28.08 4:27 PM ) Report Abuse

So, JMS, expecting other drivers to conform to traffic laws is unacceptable?  Seems to me that if the speeders were doing the speed limit, those who are wouldn't be causing any poblems.

CDL (Posted 07.28.08 4:34 PM ) Report Abuse

You won't hear this mentioned often but I read it in an article on-line and it makes sense. Get gas first thing in the morning when it is cooler and the difference in temperature of the pump, hose, nozzle, and other mechanical stuff (pipe, top of tank? not so much the entire tank as the gasoline should be at a relative stable temp. because of the earth's innate heat and insulation) and you save about 3 to 5 cents a gallon depending on the price of gas and every difference of 10 degrees or so. Has something to do with the expansion of gasoline at higher temperatures. Haven't researched it, and so I am not swearing by it.

dee (Posted 07.28.08 4:59 PM ) Report Abuse

O.K. I just researched my previous comment and it's legit. You save 1% (about 4 cents) for every 15 degree change in temperature at the pump. I am citing the LA Times. The Gilbarco Company makes a temp. compensating pump available in some states, however. BTY, there is a law suit pending in California about this. Bottom line- if you can pump gas first thing in the morning, do so.

Oh, not many people are aware of this info and might find it hard to believe, but google it for yourself to verify. It's easy to do so. Try this string of words... "gas expansion at the pump".

dave (Posted 07.28.08 5:15 PM ) Report Abuse

I pay for my car with money I earn (what's left after taxes) and same for the gas I put in the tank. If I feel like driving 20mph, then I will drive 20mph. When the government of this country takes over paying for my gas, as they are doing for certin people with the housing and mortgage mess, then I will drive the way other people tell me to. Sure, save as much as you can however and whenever you can, but be sure that the government will find another way to get the coins out of your pocket into their's!!! If someone figured out a way to run your car on salt water, the oceans would magically become property of the government and we would pay thru the nose to look at the thing, much less swim it again...

Charles Appleton (Posted 07.28.08 5:16 PM ) Report Abuse

My key is to use the tachmeter to limit my RPM's at or below 2000 - from accelerating from a stop t highway cruising.  I am getting nearly 25 miles to the gallon from ny 3.5 ltr Infiniti in city/commute traffic

Tom S (Posted 07.28.08 5:16 PM ) Report Abuse

I think the reason it takes 50-100 miles for the gas guage to move after a fill up  is because if the tank is filled right to the top like mine before leaving on a trip, it takes that long before the gas level begins to drop inside the tank itself. You are only fooling yourself if you think you are getting better gas mileage that way; keeping your car well maintained and proper tire pressure will go a long way in that respect. Either that, or, just walk or bike it  more often.

N.Mathieu (Posted 07.28.08 5:19 PM ) Report Abuse

Dang. If you read my post (I can't find it), it should have stated you save 4 cents per gallon if you pump first thing in the morning. I don't know if I was clear about the savings. Google "gas expansion at the pump LA Times" if your a skeptic like me.

dave (Posted 07.28.08 5:19 PM ) Report Abuse

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