9 Ways to Save Gas

Everyone knows that the price of gas has been outrageously high, even despite the ups and downs it has had over the last year or so. Because most of us have no choice but to use our vehicle, we must find ways to save on gas before it bankrupts us.

1. Check your tire pressure and make sure it is at the proper level. Most tires will have the proper pressure (listed as PSI) written on the tire itself. Otherwise, you can check the owner’s manual or look for a sticker inside of one of the door frames. If your tires are cool, leave the tires a couple of pounds low to allow for expansion when they heat up.
2. Have the oil changed regularly. Most manufacturers recommend an interval range from 3000 miles to 7000 miles or 3 to 6 months. Also, when you have your oil changed, make sure you are using the proper weight oil. If in doubt, ask your mechanic (there are too many factors that can influence the brand/weight of oil to use).
3. Change your air filter regularly. This is a very inexpensive maintenance item and should be changed as often as the manufacturer recommends. **A heads up to those of us here in fire prone areas – change your air filter more often because smoke and soot will clog it up!
4. Drive the speed limit. Just 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit can really add up! Just watch out for the impatient drivers who may be behind you wanting to do 90mph on the freeway.
5. Accelerate slowly. Not only will you save a ton of gas, but you’ll avoid giving yourself and your passengers whiplash.
6. Use cruise control. In conjunction with #4 and #5, using the cruise control while on the freeway makes sense. For safety’s sake, only use it when you are in free flowing traffic.
7. Don’t let your car run idle. If you know you’re going to need to be idle for more than one minute, turn the engine off. There’s also no reason to “warm up” your vehicle in the morning. 30 to 45 seconds should do just fine.
8. Tighten your gas cap. Most caps will click 3 times – otherwise, you’re letting your liquid gold gasoline vaporize into thin air (literally).
9. Empty your trunk. Excess weight of items being stored in the trunk can significantly decrease your gas mileage.