How to save money on gas

Is your wallet like mine? Mostly empty from rising prices. While I am retired and don’t put that many miles on my car any more, rising gas prices really dig into my limited income. A lot of the way to get better mileage is just common sense.

1. Don’t use premium fuel if you don’t have to.

Don’t buy premium fuel thinking that your engine will run better. The only difference you will see is less money in your wallet. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gas.

2. Keep your tires properly inflated

Low tires will reduce your mpg significantly. Even more importantly they compromise safety and handling.

3. Don’t idle for long periods of time

When you are idling you are getting 0 mph. Turn off your engine if you expect to sit more than 30 seconds.

4. Drive smoothly

Fast acceleration can reduce your mileage by 2 to 3 mpg. Get up to speed and use your cruise control. Keep your lead foot under control.

5. Get a tune up

A tune up on your car can reveal both minor and major issues. If an oxygen sensor is out on your car, it can end up causing your car to use much more gas than is necessary and thus drain your fuel tank much faster. Simply tuning up your car can boost your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent and fixing a broken sensor can increase it by up to 40 percent.

I recently went down to Marv’s to fill my gas tank. I handed Aaron a $50 and said “fill er up” He did and came back for more money. Shocking! (I am lucky to have a very smart grandson who is a mechanic and takes good care of my car.) Just remember I grew up in the olden days when a gallon of gas was something like 39¢. Today here in Podunk the price is $3.80 per gallon. So it is very important for me to try to save as much money as I can.