Car Tips - Alabama Auto Repair Guide for Saving Gas

With the trend in rising prices at the pump, people are searching for solutions to becoming more gas efficient.  What some people just don’t seem to realize is that there are more things that can be done in terms of saving pennies at the pump than just shopping around for the best price.  In an attempt to recognize some of these money saving alternatives, it is also important to note that these alternatives should be used in conjunction with each other to maximize total fuel efficiency.  Here are just a few ways to take full advantage at the pump.

	PROPER VEHICLE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE – Keeping your vehicle tuned-up will greatly affect the vehicle’s gas efficiency.  Proper maintenance on other vehicle parts such as the air filter will also help burn less gas.  A dirty air filter results in the engine not getting enough of the air supply needed to run efficiently.
	PROPERLY INFLATED TIRES – Having your tires properly inflated is one of the cheapest ways to manage your gas fuel efficiency.  Some studies show that one out of every four drivers is driving with one or more tires under-inflated.  According to automobile manufacturer’s recommendations, a tire under-inflated every 4 to 5 psi, (pounds per square inch), can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by over 10 percent.  As a result, the tire tread life will also diminish.
	DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED LEVELS – Putting it simply, the faster you drive the more gas you use.  According to a survey done by the Automotive Fleet publication, drivers waste 15 percent more fuel by driving at speeds of 65 miles per hour rather than at 55 miles per hour.  If a driver wanted to conserve more of their fuel, a great way to begin is to simply follow the speed limits.
	ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY WEIGHT – Another fuel efficiency preserver would include getting rid of unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially in your trunk.  According to AutoZone, for every 200 pounds of weight in your vehicle represents an additional mile off your fuel efficiency.  Numerous drivers like to accumulate unnecessary things in their vehicle and removing those items could help reduce their costs at the pump.
	REDUCE YOUR IDLING TIME – When your vehicle is idling, it is wasting gas.  In times of long idling, it is best to simply shut off your engine.  Starting your engine requires about the same amount of energy as having your vehicle idle for half a minute.
	WATCH YOUR DRIVING HABITS – When accelerating, your vehicle calls for an additional surge of fuel.  In order to gain your vehicle’s best fuel economy, drivers should pay attention to their driving behaviors and limit their aggressiveness on the road.
	PURCHASE GASOLINE IN THE MORNING – According to automotive experts from Kelly Blue Book, drivers can help save their vehicle’s fuel economy by purchasing gasoline in the morning.  When consumers purchase gasoline, they are charged by the amount or volume of fuel they put in their vehicles, not by the density of gasoline itself.  As a result, it is recommend that consumers purchase gasoline at times when the temperature outside is the coolest and gasoline is at its densest.
	BECOME ENERGY CONSCIOUS OF YOUR VEHICLE – Conserving your vehicle’s energy consumption is yet another critical practice in maximizing fuel economy.  One prime example, the air conditioner, is one of the biggest drains on your vehicle’s engine and fuel economy.  Using the air conditioner only when needed and not just as a simple fan can immediately help save you gasoline.

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The Importance of Tire Pressure

According to recent study by the National Transportation and Safety Administration, more than 25% of all passenger cars and more than 33% of all light trucks have under inflated tires.  What does this mean to you?

	Lower gas mileage - Lower tire pressure means lower gas mileage.  For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1 percent!
	Tire failure - Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
	Faster tread wear - Lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement.
	Poorer handling - The point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle.  Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.

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So what is the proper tire pressure for your vehicle?

While there is a lot of information available in the market, the best way to determine this is refer to your owner s manual.  Each vehicle is designed by the manufacturer with a specific tire and tire pressure in mind.  Some things to keep in mind:

	The proper tire pressure is available to you in a number of locations in the owner's manual or on the door jam or doorpost.  Many vehicles now also have sticker on the interior of the gas cap.
	The pressure listed on the exterior of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire should be inflated to, not necessarily the ideal pressure.
	Always take the tire's pressure when the tires are cold driven less than one mile.
	Tires will lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree drop in the temperature.
	Tires will also lose pressure over time about 1 PSI per month.
	To improve the life of your tires, rotate them on a regular basis - every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.  Every other oil change is a good rule of thumb.