Friday, February 25, 2011

The little things can save ya big on gas

Thanks to all the goings-on in the Middle East, gas prices are expected to hike up soon for us (because we don't use our own resources... but that's a whole other story!)

So here's a few simple ways to save on gas!

Drive Properly... Speeding, rapid acceleration and constant braking all waste gas. You can lower gas mileage by as much as 22% on the highway and 5% on city streets by driving sensibly.

Replace Dirty Air Filters... This can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10%. A clean air filter serves a dual purpose: It saves gas and protects your engine.

Skip the High-Octane Gas... Read your manual and see what your vehicle needs, but for most cars, regular octane fuel is recommended. Buying a high-octane gasoline most likely won't improve your car's performance but will add to your fuel cost.

Don't Put the Petal to the Metal... Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 96 kmph.

Lighten the Load... while it's good to add weight in the winter to light-weight cars, an extra 100 pounds could reduce your mileage by up to 2%, and this affects smaller cars more than larger ones.

Inflate your Wheels... When tires are low, it's like driving with the parking brake on. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

Use Your Lube... Again, read your manual or call your dealership about the proper oil for your vehicle. You can improve your gas mileage by up to 2%.

Stop Idling... You're just throwing money out the window. You are burning gas but getting zero miles per gallon.

Inspect the Gas Cap... If they are damaged, loose or missing, they can cause gallons of gas to vaporize, thus sending you to the pump sooner than necessary.

Found on Forbes.com

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