Gas prices got you down? These tips might pump you back up
- Replies 0
As the cost of living continues to rise, finding ways to stretch every dollar becomes increasingly important, especially for those who have bid farewell to the daily grind and are enjoying the golden years.
One area where we can all appreciate a bit of frugality is at the gas pump.
Fuel costs can take a significant bite out of our budgets, but with a few science-backed tricks up our sleeve, we can maximize our fuel economy and save money every time we fill up.
John Brown, known as @daddybrownn on social media, has racked up over 200,000 views for sharing his gas-saving advice.
His first piece of guidance is straightforward: fill up your tank early in the morning.
"All of you are getting ripped off when you're filling up your gas tank for your car, and here's why," he explained.
"Here are four things you need to know scientifically to get you more gas while filling up your tank," Brown added.
The Early Bird Gets the Fuel Efficiency
The first trick is all about timing. You may have heard that filling up your tank in the morning can lead to savings, and there's a scientific reason behind this.
Gasoline is denser when it's cooler, typically in the early hours before the sun heats things up.
By filling up in the morning, you're getting more fuel for your buck because the gas hasn't expanded from the heat yet. This principle also applies in the evening when temperatures drop again.
So, whether you're an early riser or a night owl, you can take advantage of cooler temperatures for better fuel efficiency.
Pump Slowly and Steadily
His second tip is to take it slow at the pump. When you're in a rush, it's tempting to set the nozzle to its fastest setting and fill up quickly.
However, this can lead to more gasoline vaporizing during the process.
Since all gas pumps have a vapor return system, the vapors are sucked back into the tank, meaning you're paying for gas that's literally vanishing into thin air.
By setting the nozzle to a slower rate, you minimize vaporization and ensure more liquid fuel goes into your tank.
Keep Your Tank Half Full
The third trick might seem counterintuitive, but it's based on the simple science of evaporation.
Gasoline evaporates more quickly when there's more air in the tank to facilitate the process.
By keeping your tank at least half full, you reduce the air space and, consequently, the rate of evaporation. This means you're not losing fuel as vapor and you're getting more miles out of what you pay for.
Plus, keeping your tank above a quarter full helps prevent damage to your fuel pump and keeps debris from settling at the bottom of your tank.
Also read: Stuck in a snowstorm? Discover the life-saving tips for surviving in your car!
Watch for the Fuel Delivery Truck
Lastly, timing your fill-up can also mean being observant of your surroundings. If you notice a fuel delivery truck at the station, it's best to come back later.
As the truck fills the underground tanks, sediment and debris that naturally accumulate at the bottom can get stirred up.
If you fill up your tank during this time, you risk drawing in some of that debris, which can lead to fuel filter or fuel injector issues down the line.
Source: @daddybrownn / Tiktok.
Bonus Tip: Avoid the Wrong Fuel Fiasco
While not directly related to saving money on the fuel you do use, avoiding the costly mistake of putting the wrong fuel in your tank is crucial.
Gasoline in a diesel engine or vice versa can cause significant damage and lead to expensive repairs.
Pay attention to the pump you're using and remember that diesel nozzles are typically larger than those for gasoline, making it difficult to mistakenly fuel a gas-powered car with diesel.
However, the reverse is not true, so diesel vehicle owners should be extra cautious.
Read next: Unlock big savings: Costco's latest perk for drivers beats all past deals!
Will you try any of these tips? Do you have any fuel-saving tricks of your own? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
One area where we can all appreciate a bit of frugality is at the gas pump.
Fuel costs can take a significant bite out of our budgets, but with a few science-backed tricks up our sleeve, we can maximize our fuel economy and save money every time we fill up.
John Brown, known as @daddybrownn on social media, has racked up over 200,000 views for sharing his gas-saving advice.
His first piece of guidance is straightforward: fill up your tank early in the morning.
"All of you are getting ripped off when you're filling up your gas tank for your car, and here's why," he explained.
"Here are four things you need to know scientifically to get you more gas while filling up your tank," Brown added.
A social media user has shared four scientifically proven steps to help drivers save money on petrol by making each tank last longer. Image source: Rock Staar / Unsplash.
The Early Bird Gets the Fuel Efficiency
The first trick is all about timing. You may have heard that filling up your tank in the morning can lead to savings, and there's a scientific reason behind this.
Gasoline is denser when it's cooler, typically in the early hours before the sun heats things up.
By filling up in the morning, you're getting more fuel for your buck because the gas hasn't expanded from the heat yet. This principle also applies in the evening when temperatures drop again.
So, whether you're an early riser or a night owl, you can take advantage of cooler temperatures for better fuel efficiency.
Pump Slowly and Steadily
His second tip is to take it slow at the pump. When you're in a rush, it's tempting to set the nozzle to its fastest setting and fill up quickly.
However, this can lead to more gasoline vaporizing during the process.
Since all gas pumps have a vapor return system, the vapors are sucked back into the tank, meaning you're paying for gas that's literally vanishing into thin air.
By setting the nozzle to a slower rate, you minimize vaporization and ensure more liquid fuel goes into your tank.
Filling up in the morning when temperatures are cooler is recommended, as fuel is denser and expands with heat, potentially giving the driver more for their money. Image source: CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash.
Keep Your Tank Half Full
The third trick might seem counterintuitive, but it's based on the simple science of evaporation.
Gasoline evaporates more quickly when there's more air in the tank to facilitate the process.
By keeping your tank at least half full, you reduce the air space and, consequently, the rate of evaporation. This means you're not losing fuel as vapor and you're getting more miles out of what you pay for.
Plus, keeping your tank above a quarter full helps prevent damage to your fuel pump and keeps debris from settling at the bottom of your tank.
Also read: Stuck in a snowstorm? Discover the life-saving tips for surviving in your car!
Watch for the Fuel Delivery Truck
Lastly, timing your fill-up can also mean being observant of your surroundings. If you notice a fuel delivery truck at the station, it's best to come back later.
As the truck fills the underground tanks, sediment and debris that naturally accumulate at the bottom can get stirred up.
If you fill up your tank during this time, you risk drawing in some of that debris, which can lead to fuel filter or fuel injector issues down the line.
Source: @daddybrownn / Tiktok.
Bonus Tip: Avoid the Wrong Fuel Fiasco
While not directly related to saving money on the fuel you do use, avoiding the costly mistake of putting the wrong fuel in your tank is crucial.
Gasoline in a diesel engine or vice versa can cause significant damage and lead to expensive repairs.
Pay attention to the pump you're using and remember that diesel nozzles are typically larger than those for gasoline, making it difficult to mistakenly fuel a gas-powered car with diesel.
However, the reverse is not true, so diesel vehicle owners should be extra cautious.
Read next: Unlock big savings: Costco's latest perk for drivers beats all past deals!
Will you try any of these tips? Do you have any fuel-saving tricks of your own? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
