Tips to Save Gas
by: Charles O'Ryan

If you're wondering why gallon prices have soared past $3.00 per gallon nationwide, maybe you should check out the latest profit reports from some of the oil companies. They are now at record levels. Exxon earned 9.5 cents on every $1 of gasoline and oil sold. They were and still are cashing in on skyrocketing prices at every stage of the drilling, refining, and selling processes. They announced that their profit in the first three months of 2007 was over $8 billion. Keep in mind that that number is just PROFIT. They already paid their bills, paid all of their employees, and increased their market share for the company. Many consumers’ rights groups are looking into the reasons for the high cost of gasoline and among the top reasons is because these oil companies are purposely not investing into more refineries, thus reducing the amount of gasoline able to be produced. Whether or not you like it, the price will not change overnight and while many people and lobbyists in Washington D.C. try to change things around, there are a few hints from some of the industries oil workers that can help you save money and get what you paid for.

The first helpful hint is to only fill up your tank in the early morning if possible. Gasoline is stored underground in storage tanks, and in the early morning when the air temperature is coldest the cool gasoline is denser and when you pump it you will get more than if it was during the afternoon with the warmer sun. When the trucks pull at the service station, it has temperature sensors that help make up for the denser or less dense gasoline so that it delivers the exact right amount; however, many service stations do not have this temperature compensation device at the pumps.

Another tip is to fill up your gas tank when it is half empty or half full. When there is already gasoline in the tank, it takes up much of the air space already. Gasoline evaporates extremely fast and turns into vapors before it can be used. When there is already gasoline in the tank, it occupies much of the empty space and helps condense the gasoline into usable liquid.
The last tip is to not fill up at a gas station when it is being refilled by a gas truck. When gasoline is being delivered it is most likely stirring up the gasoline already in the tank and stirring up dirt and small debris that enter the tank over the life of the tank. This small microscopic dirt can clog engines and hamper the efficiency of the engine overall. Using these tips will help save money and ensure you are getting what you paid for at the pump.