Every day seems to bring higher prices at the gas pump. Here are some gas-saving tips from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
? Monitor tires. Underinflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder.
? Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle and the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.
? Consolidate trips and errands. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.
? Keep your engine "tuned up." Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.
? Use windows and air-conditioning wisely. Keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce air drag. This is true even with the air-conditioning on. But turn off the A/C in stop-and-go traffic.
? Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.
? Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your mileage.
? Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.
