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Saving Money at the Pump
How to Cut Fuel Costs
By Melissa Granberry
If you already own the car of your dreams (or at least the car you're planning to drive for the next few years), then there are steps you can take to make it as fuel efficient as possible. A good starting place is reviewing your owner's manual for tips, such as when to schedule maintenance and what grade of motor oil to use.
Other ways to keep your car in shape include the following:
- Routine maintenance – Regular tune-ups keep your car running more efficiently. For example, Cathy Milbourn, a spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says that repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve fuel economy by as much as 40 percent.
- Air filters – Twice a year, check to see if your air filters need changing. According to Milbourn, replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and keeps impurities from damaging your engine.
- Tires – "Under-inflated tires are the biggest cause of losing fuel efficiency," says Marie Montgomery, a spokesperson for AAA. The recommended tire pressure is posted on a sticker located on the door pillar, in the glovebox or on the trunk lid.
- Spark plugs – AAA says that some spark plugs will last 100,000 miles, but many need to be replaced more often.
"Price-conscience consumers know if the least expensive gasoline is near their work or close to home," says Montgomery. "It's good to shop around and frequent the stations with the cheaper gas. This encourages store owners to keep their prices low." To help you find the lowest gas prices in town, visit www.GasPriceWatch.com.
Another way to save money at the pump is by choosing the correct level of octane for your vehicle. "There is no need to purchase a higher octane fuel unless your owner's manual specifically recommends one," says Montgomery. She suggests using the lowest octane and not switching between the different octane levels.
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