Gas Tips

• Adjust Your AC: Stuck in slow-moving traffic? Roll down the windows to save fuel. Coasting down the highway? Turn on the AC with the windows up to prevent wind resistance, says Steve Magnante, host of DIY Network's Classic Car Restoration.
• Don't Be Idle: Is your car always humming while you wait for your pal during your daily carpool? "If you'll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn the car off so you don't waste gas," says Ronnie Kweller of the Alliance to Save Energy.
• Stick With the Speed Limit: Speed demons beware, every five miles per hour over 60 is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon, according to Kweller.
• Change Clogged Filters: Engines mix air and fuel together, which means a dirty or clogged air filter requires your motor to use more gas, says Jack MacDonald, director of training and development for Pep Boys. Check your manual for guidelines.
• Test Tire Pressure Monthly: "Having your tires inflated to the proper air pressure can improve your gas mileage by more than three percent," says Melissa Montisano, general marketing manager for Goodyear. Translation: a sweet $2 savings at the pump!
• End Fuel-ishness: Don't buy a higher octane gas than you need, advises Jamie Kitman of Automobile magazine. "Your owner's manual will tell you whether your car will run just fine on regular gas." Then, close your gas cap tightly to prevent leaks!
• Be a Smart Topper: Instead of piling your luggage and camping equipment in a big square box on the roof of your car, use an aerodynamic car-top carrier (try roofbag.com, $49 and up). The wedge shape reduces wind resistance, which maximizes efficiency.
• Time Your Station Stops: "Fluids expand when they're hot and contract when cold, so you might get a few ounces of extra fuel by getting gas at night when it's chillier," explains Magnante.
• Drive With Discretion: Not only are aggressive driving habits unsafe, but they also waste valuable fuel. Avoid rapid acceleration, jackrabbit starts and hard braking, which can cut your highway mileage by up to 33 percent, according to Kweller.
• Left Foot Liftoff: Tend to rest your left foot on the brake pedal while driving? You could be wasting fuel. "Riding" the brake pedal causes mechanical drag since you're creating slight friction at the corner of each wheel while moving forward.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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