Why is my car guzzling gas?

 
Owning a vehicle is expensive enough – between car payments, insurance, and maintenance fees – that you don’t want to be spending a large portion of your pay cheque on gas. If you notice over time that you’re spending more and more money on fuel, you’ve probably developed a few bad habits that are contributing to your high gas bill.
Here are some of the most common reasons why you’re consuming so much fuel:
Heavy loads
The heavier your vehicle is, the harder your engine has to work to get it moving – science.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a look around in areas like your trunk, and see if you can get rid of any heavy items. Not only will your car be cleaner, but the lessened weight should help to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Essentials like spare tires are heavy enough that you don’t want to be adding any extra weight by carrying a bunch of pointless objects.
Cranking the air conditioning
While air conditioning can be a necessity for some people, cranking it at full volume probably isn’t the smartest idea for your wallet.  Roll down the windows at lower speeds, and use air conditioning when you’re on the highway. This will help to improve your fuel economy and will ensure that you’re only using your A/C when you really need it.
Aggressive driving
If you tend to speed up and slow down abruptly, you’re not only adding wear and tear to your vehicle, but you’re also minimizing your fuel efficiency.
In an ideal world, you should be driving at a constant speed to lower the amount that you spend on gas. While downtown driving doesn’t always permit this, you should do your best to drive at a constant speed whenever possible. It may take a little while to get used to, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
It’s also much safer to drive this way, so it’s in your best interest even if improved fuel economy isn’t a major concern for you.
Your tires aren’t properly inflated
Tires that are either underinflated or overinflated can have a negative effect on your vehicle’s fuel economy, causing you to spend more at the pump.  To avoid this problem going forward, make sure to check your tires on a regular basis, especially if you travel on a lot of uneven terrain.

Planning ahead
One of the easiest ways to lower your gas bill is to consistently seek out cheaper stations.  If you’re constantly waiting until the last possible second to fill up, you’ll be forced to go to the nearest station, which may not be the cheapest one.
There are many free apps available to help with travel and fuel consumption – check out a few here.