With simple actions taken regularly you will be able to save money by spending less on gas for your car. Follow these seven tips:
1. Follow a maintenance schedule. Most cars need a tune-up every year or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Older cars need to be serviced more frequently. A car in need of a tune-up may exhibit poor gas mileage as a symptom.
2. Change the air filter every 10,000 miles.
3. Always use cruise control on the highway.
4. Check to make sure you’re not carrying any extra weight or unneeded items in the trunk or backseat of your car. Every item counts.
5. Turn off the engine instead of idling when you plan to be waiting for more than three or four minutes.
6. Never use high-octane gasoline (the most expensive one at the pump), except if your engine is pinging. Pinging is a rattling-type noise from the engine, mostly heard on acceleration and when driving uphill.
7. Keep all the tires properly inflated. The recommended tire pressure is listed in the vehicle’s manual, stamped on the side of the tire, and often on a sticker on the driver’s-side doorjamb. When in doubt, 32 pounds per square inch (psi) is a good average until other sources can be consulted. Low air pressure will cause bad gas mileage.
Your bank account and the environment thanks you.
