~15 Ideas For Saving Money On Gas~

No surprise to find out that the U.S. topped out at an average of $3.00 a gallon as April ended, news from the Energy Information Agency, which tracks fuel costs across the country. With no appreciable drop in these prices in the near future, I have some excellent tips to get the most out of each gallon you buy and follow your dollars back into your wallet.

CAR MAINTENANCE:

1. Keep the tires inflated properly. This one is simple and a potential lifesaver. Underinflated tires waste fuel and wear out the tire tread. Also, check tires regularly for alignment and balance.


2. A well tuned engine burns less gas. Get regular tune-ups and follow through with routine maintenance. The right parts and fresh oil keep your engine running happy and less thirsty for gas.


3. Get the junk out of the trunk. A weighed-down car uses more fuel. For every 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need.

GAS SHOPPING:

1. Buy the lowest grade (octane) of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Check your owner's manual for this information. As long as your engine doesn't ping or knock, the fuel you're using is fine. You can save hundreds of dollars a year.


2. Pay cash at stations that charge extra for credit cards.


3. Don't top off the gas tank. Too much gas will just slosh or seep out. Why waste those precious pennies?

DRIVING:

1. Drive intelligently; don't make fast starts or sudden stops. You're just overexerting your engine and burning extra fuel. Gradual acceleration also helps automatic transmissions run better. Engine-revving wastes fuel, too.


2. Lighten up on the accelerator. The faster you drive, the more gas you use. Speed limits have gone up around most of the nation, but you don't have to see your fuel consumption increase by two miles per gallon when you do.


3. Avoid long warmups. Even on cold winter mornings, your car doesn't need more than a minute to get ready to go. Anything more and you are just burning up that expensive fuel.


4. Combine errands into one trip and plan your trips for the most efficient route. You'll save yourself time and money.


5. Do not rest your left foot on the brake. The slightest pressure could cause a drag that will demand additional gas use--and wear out the brakes sooner.

OTHER GOOD HABITS:

1. Tighten up that gas cap. Make sure it's on securely. Buy a new one if your current cap doesn't fit snugly. Gas easily evaporates from the tank if it has an escape.


2. Buy a fuel-efficient car. When buying cars factor in long-term fuel costs. Keep in mind that sunroofs add to wind resistance, lowering the mileage per gallon.


3. Be smart with the air conditioning. On the highway, closed windows decrease the wind resistance, so run the air conditioner. But in stop and go traffic, shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10-20% percent.


4. Remove snow tires in good weather. Deep tread and big tires use more fuel.