Photo: Dave Basner
There are many ways to save money like cutting coupons, spending less, and putting a bowl of water in your car. If that last one strikes you as odd, you're not wrong, but apparently it actually can save you some cash.
Experts at ChooseMyCar.com are spreading the word about the weird life hack. It all comes down to helping you use less fuel. People who accelerate or brake too quickly, often or unnecessarily, wind up going through their tank faster than those who don't.
The experts explained, "Keeping an open bowl of water on your passenger seat is a great deterrent for unnecessary acceleration and braking. It sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and brilliant reminder to drive gently. If you hit the accelerator too hard, you'll see water pour out the sides. Likewise, if you're driving too fast and braking hard you'll notice water on the seat. The best bowls to use for this are small cereal bowls, with water about an inch from the top."
That's not the only car-related cost-cutting measure either. Per Yorkshire Live, if you live in a colder area and park your car so that it faces the morning sun, you won't have to use up as much gas, or time, running your vehicle so that the windshield defrosts.
Also, you shouldn't be pulling into parking spots, rather you should back into them. Believe it or not, reversing into a parking spot uses up less fuel than reversing out of it. That's because your car consumes less gas when the engine is warm.
A couple other tips - if you have a garage, use it - your car will stay warmer and you won't ever have to defrost or de-ice it. Also, make sure you empty your trunk often. If you carry heavy items in your trunk and don't need to, you are driving around with excess weight and using up gas you could be saving.