The winter weather is finally here and as it approaches full swing, Sinclair Automotive Professor Michael Garblik gave some useful winter driving tips and advice for saving money at the pump.
Gasoline saving tips
Gasoline in Dayton this winter has been around the $3.50 mark and doesn’t seem to be dropping anytime soon. Garblik had quite a few suggestions for one of the most painful processes for everyone–filling up at the pump.
First he suggests that you avoid filling up while there is a gasoline tanker filling up the station’s supply.
“If there’s a tanker in there, it’s probably a good idea to avoid it,” Garblik says. “When they’re forcing all that fuel into the ground, it stirs up whatever dirt, water, gravel and anything else that happens to be in the bottom of the tank. Sometimes people think that’s an urban legend but there is some truth to that.”
Garblik also suggest that if you can afford it, keep your tank at least halfway filled to get the most value from the gasoline. Keeping your tank halfway filled at all times leaves less room for moisture to accumulate and leaves the gas with less exposure to oxygen.
Also, Garblik suggests avoiding refueling when it’s raining. Filling up your tank while it’s raining can lead to water getting into your tank, diluting the gasoline and making it tougher on your fuel pump and filter.
Lastly, Garblik suggests that alcohol content in the gasoline can be one of the main reasons you don’t get as much bang for your buck at the pump.
“There are a few brands of gasoline that advertise no alcohol like Shell,” Garblik says. “We’ve tested Shell’s gas and–it doesn’t have any in it.”
Garblik says that the normal alcohol to gasoline ratio is around 2 or 3 percent for local gas stations (gas stations are legally permitted to have up to 10 percent alcohol content in their gas).
Another Automotive Professor, Jim Truxal, suggest that although the wait is annoying, buying gas from a busy gas station ensures that you get fresh gasoline.
Garblik also suggests that you don’t use higher octane gas in cars that do not require it. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended gasoline for your car.
Winter weather precautions
For winter driving, most people know that taking time to start their car helps prevent damage their engine. But Garblik says that you don’t have to let it warm up for an extended amount of time.
“I usually like to let the engine start and run for about 30 seconds and then go about driving,” Garblik says. “30 seconds is adequate to let the oil reach all the parts of the engine.”
Garblik says that idling your engine really just wastes gas and the only real benefit is having a well heated interior.
Other small things, like having your brakes and tires inspected can also help you be a whole lot safer throughout the winter season. Because avoiding icy roads in winter is like saying you will win the lottery today. It could happen, but it’s not likely.