Save $$$ on gas

Well, the prices at the pump are up again. I'm trying to drive less, but since I still have to get places, I've found some great tips for saving money on gas, and I thought I'd share them with you...

• Not maintaining your engine properly can lower MPG by 4%. Be sure to get your oil changed every 5,000 miles and get manufacturer recommended tune-ups.


• Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.23/gallon for gas! Maintaining a speed of about 60 mph on the highway will get your best gas mileage.


• Running on tires that are as little as 20% under-inflated increases fuel consumption by 10%!!!! Imagine how much money we could all save (and have a lower impact on the environment) if we just checked our tires once every few weeks! It's easy to check your tires and most oil-change places will do it for free (hoping to get your oil-change business)


• "Aggressive" driving (fast starts and sudden stops on a regular basis) can lower your fuel economy by 35%!


• Drive with an empty car - the more your car weighs, the more fuel it takes to move it (duh). So dump the "junk in your trunk"! For every 100 lbs of "stuff" in your car, your fuel economy is reduced by 2% (think golf clubs, kids toys, the kitty litter you keep in the trunk for extra winter traction, stuff you've been meaning to drop-off at Goodwill, etc.)


• Don't idle! Idling for only 10 seconds or more takes more fuel than turning off and then restarting your car. I turn mine off whenever I'm at the bank or pharmacy drive-thru window.


• Pack it inside when travelling - A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5%. And driving with an empty roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 1%.


• Combine trips whenever possible and plan your route ahead of time.