We have all seen the price of gasoline shooting up to record levels around the country with no relief in sight. Reports of gas thefts from parked cars and fill and flies (people going to a gas station, filling up and driving off without paying) are increasing everyday.

What can we, as consumers, do about it? Unfortunately, there is not too much we can do. We either pay or walk. But there is one thing we can do, and that is to squeeze every kilometer we can out of every liter of gas we buy. There are a number of things we can do to keep our vehicles running in top shape and get the best mileage we can. Other ways are by changing the way we drive.

• Tire Pressures

One thing we can do to stretch each liter of gas is to check our tire pressures. Low tire pressure will make the tires drag and use more gas. Look in your owners’ manual and see what the recommended tire pressures are. Add two pounds to that number, but never exceed 35 psi. That will add about 1 km per liter. Check them every time you gas up. Consider buying a small pencil-like tire pressure checker.

• Keep Your Engine Tuned

Keeping your engine well tuned is another good way to stretch your gas money. An engine that grinds for ten seconds before firing up wastes enough gas to take you three km. Maybe it’s time for a new set of spark plugs and a new air filter. Now is a good time to go get them.

• Make Sure You Use The Correct Fuel

If your car uses regular gas don’t waste money on buying premium, if you don’t have to. You won’t get any better mileage or performance and you’ll just waste that extra money spent. Check your owner’s manual to see if your engine does need premium. Another idea is to fill-up your fuel tank in the early morning hours as the car has cooled overnight and this will allow you to add more fuel to the car. Filling up in the heat of the day causes vapors to expand in the tank. When you uncap the tank to fill-up, you are allowing fuel to escape into the air. Wasted gas means wasted money. It, also, pollutes our environment.

• Take Time Of Day Into Consideration

If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour traffic. Sitting in stop and go traffic is the biggest waste of fuel there is. Try leaving home for work a little earlier. You’ll avoid some traffic and impress your boss.

• Avoid Jackrabbit Starts

Start off smooth and accelerate easy to your cruising speed and maintain it.Slow down a bit when you drive, the faster you go, the more fuel you use. When you go somewhere, leave 10 or 15 minutes earlier so you can go easy and save some fuel. Who knows, you might even notice things you never saw before when you were passing by at the higher speed.

Saving fuel is not only money-smart but it is, also, good for the environment. Remember that wasted fuel goes out of your car’s exhaust and into the air…the air that all of us breathe. By keeping your car in good working condition, practicing good driving habits and planning your trips, you not only save money but you help make our environment cleaner. Now that makes good sense.

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Technorati Tags: Good Car Care, Good Driving Habits, Saving Fuel

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