Save Money at the Pump
Posted on: June 18, 2007
As gas prices reach nosebleed heights, here are some important tips that’ll help you be a money-saving, fuel-conscious driver:
Regularly Check and replace air filters. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10%.
Use cruise control. Gas mileage declines dramatically when you drive at speeds faster than 60 mph. Cruise control helps you avoid a heavy foot on the gas pedal. When in town, avoiding jackrabbit starts and hard acceleration can improve in-town gas mileage by up to 5%.
Properly inflate your tires. Keeping your tires aligned and properly inflated at the manufacturer’s recommended levels can increase gas mileage up to 3%.
Get rid of the junk in the trunk. Are you driving around with the kids’ sports equipment or work files piled in the car? An extra 100 pounds in your trunk can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.
Keep your car well maintained. Along with the suggestions above, keeping your engine tuned will improve your fuel economy.
Other ways to save money include:
- Combine errands. Several short trips, each taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
- Carpool. Many cities and counties make it easier by providing commuter lanes.
- Bus, bike or walk. Consider leaving your car at home and taking public transportation, riding a bike, or strolling to your destination.
Contributed by Mitch Carpenter of American Home Mortgage.