Save gas

Fast Facts: Tips To Save Gas

(CBS4)

With the price of gasoline on the rise, many people are wondering how much gas can you really save by keeping your tires inflated or turning off your air conditioner? Or how about driving less aggressively or using your cruise control?
Here are some of the top tips to stretch your dollar at the pumps.

1.Avoid prolonged warming up of engine

2. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

3. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off. It wastes fuel and wears out cylinders.

4. Stop jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop instead of stomping on the gas. Also, don't slam on the breaks at every stop.

5. Don't speed. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph then at 70 mph.

6. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

7. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

8. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel, which is why using cruise control can actually save you money.

9.. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

10. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

11. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy.

12. Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.

13. Inflate all tires to maximum limit.

14. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

15. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car.

16. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy.

17. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. That way you can't accidentally ride the brake and use excessive gas.

18. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.

19. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.

20. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the window.