It seems like gasoline sets a new price per gallon record each week — while the cost steadily creeps upward, it also kills a lot of our weekend trips and vacation plans. Those who enjoy torturing themselves over the price of gas have been speculating that gas could reach the $5 per gallon [1] mark this Summer. We worry about gas on the rise because it affects what we can spend on other necessities, but there's nothing we can do to make those numbers drop. We can, however, take a few simple steps to extend time between trips to the gas station. ABC News rounded up these tips [2] for making your full tank last a little longer.
- Choose the right octane: Using a higher octane gas than the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit, and it costs you at the pump.
- Stay away from gas-saving gadgets: The Environmental Protection Agency has tested more than 100 such devices and has found that very few provided any benefits.
- Stay within the speed limit: Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
- Avoid unnecessary idling: It wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.
- Stop and start gently: You can improve in-town gas mileage by up to five percent by driving gently.
There are five more fuel tips, so just .
- Use overdrive and cruise control: They improve fuel economy when you're driving on the highway.
- Inflate your tires: Keeping your tires properly inflated and aligned can increase gas mileage up to three percent.
- Keep your engine tuned: Tuning your engine can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent.
- Change your oil: Motor oil that says "energy conserving" contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
- Replace air filters regularly: Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent.
Source [3]