Gasoline prices are soaring! Now is a good time to look at ways to save at the pump.
I come from a long line of auto mechanics--they're called automotive technicians now--and I have been asking around and researching ways to save on gasoline.
Here's the list of things I have come up with.
1. Always keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. The proper pressure for your car's tires can be found on the label inside the driver side door. It can also be found in your car's manual. Under-inflation is as bad for your gas mileage as over- inflation.
Good quality tire pressure gauges are not expensive; invest in one and you can check your own pressure.
2. Also be sure your car is equipped with the proper size tires. Tires that are the wrong size can wreck your gas mileage. The proper tire size can also be found on the label inside the driver side door.
3. Keep your engine tuned. This means an oil change every three months or every 5,000 miles.
4. Change your air filter with every other oil change.
5. Better gas mileage can be simple to achieve just by changing some of your driving habits. Don't do quick starts--slowly and gradually pick up speed. Maintain a steady speed on the highway; use your cruise control.
6. Use your air conditioner only when absolutely necessary. It takes more gas to run the a/c.
7. Plan your trips. Make every trip count; run several errands in one trip.
8. My "personal mechanic" tells me it isn't necessary to buy the high-octane gasoline for most cars. Check with your own mechanic and read your owner's manual.
9. Walk whenever possible. If it's not an option to walk to town, you might at least consider parking in a central location once you get to town, and walking to do your errands instead of driving from place to place.
10. Pump your own gas. In our area, it is 5 to 10 cents a gallon cheaper to pump your own over having an attendant put it in for you.
None of these tips are expensive to do; mostly just some common-sense ideas.