Fuel Saving Tips For The Recession-Ready Drivers

With gas prices at record highs, filling the gas tank has never been more expensive. Fortunately, you can acquire the skills and tools to combat high gas prices online and at any auto parts store.

Keeping your car properly maintained will help you achieve optimal fuel economy. In addition to regular oil changes, the engine air filter should be changed annually, or every 12000 miles. A clean air filter ensures that air can get into your engine to efficiently burn the gasoline. Any restrictions like a dirty filter can cause incomplete combustion and wasted gas. If your car is aging, a generalized tuneup will make sure your car is operating to its fullest potential.

Maintaining proper tire pressure will make sure you are able to get the most miles per gallon. When tires are under-inflated, their rolling resistance is increased. That means the engine has to do more work to move the car the same distance. Tire pressure readings should be taken before the car has been driven around for the day. This is called the tire's 'cold pressure.' Contrary to popular belief, the your tire's proper air pressure isn't located on the tire itself but is on the door jam of the driver door. A typical PSI reading for a car or light truck will be around 30, but check the sticker for an exact measurement. When checking your tire pressure, be sure to keep your spare properly inflated. While you have your trunk open, empty it of all unnecessary clutter. Heavy items in your truck weigh down your car and decrease your fuel economy.

Significant gas savings is also possible buying any products or spending any money. Adjusting your driving habits to conserve fuel is a surefire way to squeeze more miles out of your tank. When starting from a standstill, accelerate slowly until you reach cruising speed. When you see a red light in the distance, take your foot off the gas. Let your forward motion carry you to the red light. Make it your goal for your car to roll to a stop at the red light without applying the brakes. Apply the brakes if you must, but realize that applying the brakes means you are wasting energy that could be carrying your car farther down the road. When cruising on the highway, consider using cruise control if your car has that feature. The steady speed that cruise control provides keeps the engine from revving and wasting gas. The closer to 55 mph you travel, the more gas you save, so don't speed! Set the cruise control at a safe speed below the speed limit. Also, it is more efficient to keep your windows up and run the air conditioner at highway speed than to keep the windows down with the air conditioner off.

Avoid buying products that promise to magnetize the ions in your gas, tune up your electrical system, or create a vortex in your gasoline. There is no magic bullet to save money at the pump except smart driving strategies and good vehicle maintenance.