Getting The Most From Every Gallon

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By By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

Simple tips to save some of that expensive gas.

Story Published: May 12, 2004 at 4:55 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:28 AM PDT

Getting The Most From Every Gallon
SEATTLE - Now that gasoline prices are outrageously high and climbing you need to be thinking about ways to squeeze the most miles out of every gallon.

You know to avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Here are 5 other things you can do:

  • Make sure you have gas cap. According to the Car Care Council 1 out of every 5 vehicles on the road has a gas cap that is either "damaged, loose or are missing altogether." This lets the gas in your tank vaporize.

  • Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires have a greater rolling resistance which can cost you a mile or two per gallon.

  • Check your air filter. A dirty one wastes gas and makes the engine lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

  • Use Cruise Control on the freeway to keep your car at a constant speed. If you're travelling at the legal speed limit that should improve fuel economy.

  • Drive sensibly. Experts say agressive driving can cut your mileage at highway speeds by a third.

For More Information:

www.carcare.org

www.fueleconomy.gov