|
|
(NAPSI)-Just because gas prices hit record highs, you don't have to let that keep you idle. There are ways to save.
1. Tires Tie In to Gas Savings: Check the air pressure in your tires regularly. The U.S. Department of Energy reports one pound of underinflation costs two to three miles of gas per gallon. At least once a month, make sure your tire pressure matches the manufacturer's recommended amount found in your owner's manual.
2. Tune in to Tune-Ups: The U.S. Department of Energy says that a tune-up can improve gas mileage by four percent. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by 40 percent.
3. Healthy Air Filters: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve mileage by 10 percent.
4. Get the Pedal off the Metal: Fifty-five not only saves lives, it saves gas. Government figures show each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
5. Drive Sensibly: Accelerating and braking abruptly wastes fuel. Driving sensibly can increase gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds.
6. Cruise to Savings: Use cruise control. Each time your foot presses the accelerator, your car expends more energy. Every time you brake for the car ahead, this energy is lost.
7. Take a Load Off: The less weight your car has to carry, the less work your engine has to perform.
8. Plan Ahead: Cars hate gridlock. Avoid congested areas in order to keep your car from idling. Consolidate your errands.
10. Shop Around: If you're driving a gas guzzler, consider a change. The difference between a car that gets 20 miles per gallon and one that gets 30 amounts to about $550 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (if you drive 15,000 miles a year and pay $2.20 a gallon for gas).
A service like AutoVantage can help save money at the pump and get you to your destination quicker and easier. Learn more at http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787.
Bobby Hamilton, a spokesman for AutoVantage, is the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion after achieving four career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories. He founded Bobby Hamilton Racing, which owns and operates three trucks in the NASCAR circuit.
Buy gasoline when it's cool out, such as early morning or late at night. Gas is denser in cool temperatures and gas pumps measure by volume, so you'll get more for your money.