Important money saving driving tips for every day drivers.

With the economy still struggling to recover, most people are continuing to search for ways to save money in their daily lives. Two areas that should not be overlooked is the way we drive, especially during the winter months and how we take care of our vehicles.

A great deal of money can be saved through a few basic tips that will help conserve gasoline and prevent early vehicle maintenance costs. The following five money saving driving tips are especially important for new drivers and anyone driving an older, gas guzzling vehicle.

When it comes to saving money at the expense of daily driving, changing just a few of your driving habits can go a long way. One of the main areas you can try to save money is on fuel. Since gas prices are not likely to come back down any time soon, using as little of it while still performing day to day chores is a must.

5 Money Saving Tips For Car Owners

1 – Be A Responsible Driver

The largest savings on fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs can be realized by the driver of the vehicle. A person that does not drive his or her vehicle aggressively can save the most money.

Try to avoid speeding, rapidly accelerating and frequently hitting the brakes.

Driving in a manner such as described above, and making aggresive manouvers, can lower fuel mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway. Going faster than 50 miles per hour not only uses fuel more inefficiently, it can pose a hazard to yourself and others, which may lead to expensive repair and potential doctor bills. If it’s available, use the cruise control of your vehicle, this also increases the car’s gas mileage. Learn how to maintain your vehcile and make your car last forever.

2 – Always Try To Plan Ahead

Before setting out on any trip that will require multiple stops, be sure to plan them out. Combine errands into one trip rather than spacing them out over several days. Make sure the route you’re goint to take is familiar and set it up so there is little or no backtracking. When traveling to some place that is unknown to you, be sure to have directions. Nothing wastes more fuel than being lost and driving unnecessary miles in the wrong direction.

3 – Keep Up With Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Make sure the vehicle is in the best working order possible. Tuning the engine can improve fuel efficiency. If the oxygen sensors are not working properly, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Check the oil, water pressure, windshield washer fluid, brake pads and  serpentine belt on a regular basis. Regular vehicle maintenance will save you money in the long run.

Check the tires, rotate them regularly and be sure they are inflated to the proper pressure according to the season. While the savings on fuel for properly inflated tires is minimal, this step can keep the tires from needing to be replaced sooner as well.

4 – Don’t Carry Around Extra Weight

Avoid using your vehicle as a storage unit and remove any excess weight to save on gasoline. This is especially true for smaller cars.

If extra cargo needs to be hauled from one point to another, try to transport it in the trunk rather than using a carrier on the roof. A roof carrier will increase wind resistance and significantly lower your gas mileage.

5 – When Possibe Find Alternatives To Driving Alone

Consider creating a car pool group with co-workers, friends or neighbors that may work in similar locations. Each person can save on gas money, while rotating driving shifts will reduce daily wear and tear on each vehicle.

Cutting expenses has become a necessary part of everyday living for most people. When it comes to cars, better driving habits and continued maintenance can lead to big savings down the line.

Jane Simpson has changed her driving habits to reduce her fuel consumption and save money. She writes for a website that has a useful car interest calculator to help illustrate the monthly cost of purchasing a new vehicle.

Do you have any money saving driving tips? Please leave us a comment below.