5 Tips for Saving Gas

Can Electric Cars Help Conserve Fuel?

Concerns about rising gasoline prices and preserving the environment have fueled the increasing popularity of electric cars. These vehicles don't emit greenhouse gases or require gasoline to run. Instead, owners plug them in to recharge the batteries. Thus, electric cars help conserve gas and reduce the harmful emissions that cause pollution and climate change.

Running on electricity instead of gasoline benefits the vehicle owners, the surrounding community, and even the entire planet. At the same time, electric cars can't offer a perfect solution for everybody.

A few reasons that all drivers haven't yet run out to buy an electric car include:

• Relatively high cost:Cars.com lists the cheapest new electric vehicle for about $30,000. Thus, many drivers will struggle to afford an electric vehicle. Even people who have the money or good credit to buy one might hesitate because their current car works perfectly well.
• Not enough charging ports: These vehicles require specialized charging ports, which aren't yet as common as traditional gas stations. Installing one at home will add to the cost of ownership. Also, people who rent houses or apartments might not have the option to add a new charging outlet.
• Manufacturing and power impact: EVs might not need gasoline, but these vehicles still need electricity to charge their batteries. The use of renewable energy keeps increasing, but it's still not universal. Instead of burning oil, the electric car may need electricity generated by oil, gas, or other non-renewable and emission-generating sources. Also, manufacturing electric vehicles and sophisticated batteries consumes energy and scarce resources while potentially causing harmful emissions.

Even with their drawbacks, the market for electric vehicles will probably continue to grow. The number of charging ports and green energy generation will also increase. Bankrate predicted that these battery-powered vehicles would account for 70 percent of all new cars by 2040. In time, EVs should have a significant impact on fuel consumption.

Still, it will probably take several decades to see the end of gas-burning cars on the road. Today, people must take other steps to reduce gasoline consumption to save money and protect the environment.

Five Sensible Ways to Conserve Gasoline Today

Electric vehicle, or EV, tech is still relatively new. In the future, more charging ports, the expansion of green energy generation, better batteries, and competitive prices will undoubtedly make electric cars gain even more popularity and utility. Every year, the growth of EV sales should help reduce reliance on gasoline and toxic emissions.

EVs still consume power to manufacture and drive. Thus, people with electric or gas-powered vehicles should still find ways to conserve the energy they use for transportation. With that in mind, consider these five suggestions for using less fuel, which will matter with a gas-powered or electric car.

#1: Buy a Good-Quality Electric Bicycle

Consider the essential advantages of electric bicycles:

• Electric bicycle batteries can charge from any wall outlet.
• Unlike electric car drivers, e-cyclists can carry a spare battery or portable charger to increase range.
• Even better, bike riders can pedal the bike with or without using the motor. Pedaling will extend battery life and encourage healthy exercise.
• Electric bikes also need far fewer materials, energy, and resources to make than cars do.

The e-bike can provide immediate savings on gasoline and excess mileage on a car. Primarily, electric bikes consume far less power than electric cars. They also cost much less than electric cars, plus qualified buyers can obtain financing with affordable monthly payments.

These battery-powered cycles also offer the same utility as cars for many transportation needs. For instance, many people use their e-bikes to commute to work and school, run errands, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. And just like the best cars, electric bikes are fun to use.

Consider a Comfortable and Versatile Electric Bike From SixThreeZero

For instance, the Paven'Trail 500W electric bicycle offers comfort, durability, and versatility with an ergonomically designed bike that can handle city streets, dirt bicycle paths, and various terrain. This e-bike provides an excellent choice for adults of almost any age and in different stages of their fitness journey.

Use this cycle to exercise, tour with friends, run errands, commute, or enjoy the scenery. The bike's comfortable seat and grips, low top bar, intuitive controls, and thoughtful design make it easy for almost everybody to ride, mount, and dismount. The smooth and quiet 500W battery can power the cycle alone for 20 miles between charges, and it can go twice that far in pedal-assist mode.

#2: Attend to Gas-Saving Vehicle Maintenance

On a positive note, manufacturers have made cars much easier to maintain than they used to be. As a result, many vehicle owners don't take their cars in for service that often. In turn, many people overlook some simple and low-cost maintenance that will help their cars use gasoline as efficiently as the day they rolled off the delivery truck. Just as bad, inattention to routine service may lead to expensive repairs or even a shorter vehicle lifespan.

Very often, attending to maintenance can pay for itself by conserving fuel and staving off future repair issues. Some suggestions for gas-conserving maintenance tips for cars include:

• Proper tire inflation: One of the most effective and easiest solutions involves keeping tires properly inflated. Many cars have inflation sensors, but auto parts stores also sell gauges for less than $10. In addition, many tire shops will check air pressure and inflate tires for free. Proper tire inflation helps conserve gas, promotes safe driving, and extends the tire's lifespan.
• Keep air filters clean: Change the air filter along with oil changes. Some estimates say that drivers can save as much as 22 cents a gallon by replacing dirty or worn air filters. Clean air filters ensure better gas mileage and help prevent some types of engine damage.
• Use the proper grade of oil: The owner's manual for each car should specify the optimum type of motor oil, and adhering to the manufacturer's suggestion can also help the vehicle run most efficiently. If the manual's lost, it's easy enough to search for the recommended grade of oil online, or the technician at an oil change shop can look it up.
• Get tune-ups on time: New cars probably don't need frequent tune-ups. Still, they may require this service every 25,000 to 100,000 miles, and keeping the vehicle tuned will help it maintain its optimum performance and efficiency. Without tune-ups, the car may consume more fuel and eventually, the engine might start to sputter or even stop working. In particular, take the car to a service center if the Check Engine symbol lights up on the dashboard.

#3: Plan Errands and Shopping Trips to Conserve Fuel

The old adage says that failing to plan means planning to fail. That saying seems as true for budgeting as anything else in life. Planning ahead for shopping trips and other errands offers plenty of benefits. Mapping out an efficient route can save fuel and time. Adding a shopping list for stops along the route can also help save time and money in a couple of different ways:

• Reduce the risk of forgetting necessary items and having to return to the store later.
• Curb spending unnecessary money on impulse purchases.

Many people find it tough to save money with increasing inflation and rising gasoline prices. Luckily, a little forethought can ease the burden of higher prices. Thus, planning ahead for trips to grocery stores and pharmacies helps people save time, use less gasoline, and save money on both fuel and impulse buys.

These days, many people have also turned to shopping online to reduce trips to stores. Many online retailers will absorb the cost of shipping for store members or purchases over a specified minimum.

#4: Carpool or Use Public Transportation to Commute

Even if just two employees agree to drive on alternate weeks, they automatically save 50 percent of their commuting expenses. Some cities also have HOV lanes for cars with at least two occupants, so carpooling can save time. Communities might also offer vanpools for groups of people who all work in the same general area. Start looking for carpool buddies at work or on neighborhood websites.

In some cities, public transportation can also offer an attractive option. According to the Kansas City Transportation Authority, taking public transportation for a 20-mile commute can reduce harmful emissions for each rider by 20 pounds a day. Added up over the year, this savings amounts to about 10 percent of the emissions for an average household. In addition, bus or train passes will usually cost much less than fuel, additional car maintenance, and parking.

Some people might entertain concerns that they could need a vehicle in case of an emergency, like a sick child. Often, larger businesses offer to subsidize emergency rides to help encourage employees to take public transportation. Still, paying for a taxi or Uber home once or twice a year will almost certainly work out cheaper than the fuel and vehicle wear used for daily commutes.

Other benefits of public transportation include reducing traffic congestion, saving on parking fees, and less reliance on foreign power sources. Also, commuting on trains and buses provides extra time to relax, read, or listen to music. Many insurance companies offer low-mileage drivers discounts, and most commuters log the most miles getting back and forth to work.

#5: Reduce Drag and Wind Resistance

Still carrying that 50-pound bag of fertilizer in the trunk? If so, it's time to unload it and put it in the garage, or even better, spread it in the garden. The more weight a car needs to carry, the more gas it will have to burn. Besides cleaning out the trunk of excess cargo, consider carrying a donut tire instead of a full-sized spare because donuts weigh much less.

Traveling as lightly as possible can make a substantial difference in the amount of fuel a car uses. Similarly, car racks, carriers, or even empty trailers will increase wind resistance and drag. Store those types of vehicle accessories in the garage until they're needed.

Where to Shop for Electric Bikes

These suggestions can help conserve fuel, save money, and preserve the natural environment. Some of them also help save time and money on other things besides gasoline. Only the first suggestion to buy an electric bicycle will also help improve fitness and provide a source of fun and relaxation. Researchers expect the market for e-bikes to increase by about 15 percent by 2028 as more people discover this beneficial way to save fuel and reduce harmful fuel emissions.

Many people still need a car for extended trips or highway driving. In that case, consider a tune-up, checking tire inflation, planning errands better, carpooling or taking public transportation, and reducing drag. For everything else, ride a bike! An electric bike's motor helps the bicycle travel faster and encourages riders to use their cycles for longer trips.

Best of all, SixThreeZero offers high-quality, stylish e-bikes, online tools to ensure a perfect fit, live customer service, free shipping across the country, and a guarantee of customer satisfaction. This company makes cycles for all ages and types of riders, including hybrid and comfort cycles and even adult tricycles.

It turns out that the best way to spare gas also helps keep riders fit and preserves the natural environment.