Jul 14, 2008 6:24 pm US/Eastern
Tank Tips: Simple Ways To Save Money On Gas
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
With gas over $4 a gallon, most drivers are looking for ways to save a little money at the pump.
Making sure your car is in top working order is one way to pay less when you are filling up.
John Nielson of the American Automobile Association says to start with things like spark plugs, motor oil, tire pressure, and air filters.
The right combination of maintenance could save you up to 50 cents a gallon.
"While each one can be very small, when you take it all together it can be a major change in fuel economy,' he says.
Take an air filter for example. Replacing a clogged one can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%. Using the right motor oil can also have an impact, improving efficiency by another 2%. Getting a simple tune up and new spark plugs can boost mileage by another 4%.
Nielson also says to never ignore your "Check Engine" light.
"The check engine light on your vehicle is designed to tell you when something is wrong with the car's computer system, and that can have a major impact on fuel economy."
By one estimate, keeping tires properly inflated can save the average driver $37 a year.
Not speeding can also make your car run on less gas. According to Nielson, "The difference between 70 mph and 60 mph in an SUV could have as much as an 18% impact on fuel usage. That's huge."
Drivers seem to be getting the message. "Unfortunately, we live in a world where we need our cars, so you just have to figure out a way to make it all work."
And that can start with a well running car.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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