6 Ways to Save Gas When The Tank Is Low

We’ve all been there: miles from nowhere (or the nearest gas station) when the needle hits E. While most of us aren’t interested in pushing our cars to the limit (take note habitual dry-tank drivers: engineers warn that running out of gas repeatedly may damage your fuel pump), occasionally even the most conscientious among us will find themselves running on empty. Remember these 6 tips for conserving the gas in your tank when the meter is low.

1. Keep coasting

Slowly coasting to a red light uses less gas than accelerating and braking to stop. So when you have the option to do so safely, coasting can help your overall fuel economy.

2. Make more right-hand turns

A good tip for city drivers: making multiple right-hand turns (even if it means going a few blocks out of your way) uses less gas than idling your engine while you wait to make a left.

3. Curb aggressive driving

Driving aggressively is not only dangerous — it’s also bad for your overall fuel economy. Turns out speeding, hard braking, and fast acceleration makes you a menace on the road and wastes your gas (by as much as 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds and between 10 and 40 percent in traffic).

4. Use cruise control for highway driving

Setting your cruise control while driving at higher speeds, like on a freeway or highway, will help you maintain a continuous speed and can ultimately save you precious fuel.

5. Don’t use AC when driving slowly 

Using the air conditioner, particularly when driving at slower speeds, can reduce your overall fuel economy by as much as 25 percent. If it’s not a super hot day and you’re maintaining moderate speeds or driving for just a short while, roll the windows down and turn off the AC.

6. Close your windows and use AC when driving fast 

Keeping your windows shut when traveling at speeds greater than 55 mph reduces the drag (also known as aerodynamic wind resistance) on your car and can save you fuel in the long run. If it’s a hot day and you’re doing some highway driving, keep the widows shut and turn on the AC. Remember to cool the car’s cabin before you start running it (lower the windows for a bit to let the hot air out) for a faster, more fuel efficient cooldown.

Once you’ve squeezed every last bit of fuel economy out of your tank, make haste and get yourself safely to the nearest gas station to refuel.

5 Steps to Cleaning Your Car Rims

A gleaming set of wheels can make an ordinary, used car look new. And with just a little time and the right cleaning techniques, you can take your rims to the next level.

Brake dust, a sticky substance caused by friction when you apply the brakes, is highly corrosive and can cause permanent damage if left on metal rims too long. That’s why cleaning your rims regularly is important.

It’s also smart to clean the rims and tires before the rest of your car to keep dirt on the wheels from getting onto and damaging your car’s painted surface.

Now let’s get started. Before cleaning your rims and wheels, make sure you have the right materials.

Must-have materials: wheel cleaner and sponge

Brake dust can be hard to remove without the right cleaner. Select one specifically made for the material your wheels are made of. For instance, rims that are made of roughcast aluminum and chrome can tolerate stronger cleaners than those that are coated, painted or anodized.

The right brush or sponge is important, too. Opt for a natural sea sponge. Their softness and flexibility lets you more easily wipe away debris, as well as get into hard-to-reach areas. Cotton and microfiber cloths are less effective on brake dust and can even scratch your rims with debris that are not completely rinsed out.

The sponge should be used only to clean your wheels and tires. Otherwise, you risk having brake dust stick to the sponge and damage your car’s paint.

Once you have the right materials, it’s time to clean.

Steps to cleaning your rims and wheels

1. Rinse your rims

First, spray your rims and let the water soak in to loosen the grime. After a few minutes, spray with soap and water to further loosen the debris.

2. Apply the appropriate cleaner

Soak one rim at a time so the cleaner doesn’t dry on the wheel. Follow product directions about how long to leave the cleaner on. Opt for a non-acidic wheel cleaner to help prevent any corrosion.

3. Carefully scrub your rims

Thoroughly scrub the rim with a wheel brush and wipe down each of the spokes. You can use the same sponge on the tire, but as mentioned before; don’t use it on the painted surface of your car.

4. Clean the wheel well

Dirt and grime tends to get caught up in the wheel well, so don’t forget to give it a good scrubbing. Try using a tougher brush than you used with the wheels and rims, as there often is more build up in the well.

5. Spray down rims and wheel wells

Scrubbing might dislodge some of the loose dirt in your wheel, so don’t forget to do another round of rinsing. Spray each wheel to remove the excess dirt and repeat if necessary.

Performing routine essential maintenance not only makes your car look better, it can make it safer, too. Learn about how Nationwide auto insurance keeps you and your vehicle even more protected on the road.