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 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.
 
 

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