Car Maintenance to Help Save on Gas

Example of an air filter that has been around ...

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We all want to save money on gas. It’s the biggest problem we face during this tough economy. Gas prices continue to go up and many people are having a hard time affording the outrageous prices at the pump.

The best tip anyone can give for saving money on gas is to keep up with the vehicle’s maintenance. Doing a few simple things will help you save hundreds of dollars each year on gas. These days, every penny counts.

Here are some helpful tips to help save money on gas.

Check your Tires

When a tire gets a small hole, the air will leak out slowly. This can drop the fuel efficiency by at least two percent. It’s important to get a decent tire gauge and keep track of the pressure in your tires. Checking once a month will do perfectly, but check more often during the winter.

Change your Air Filter

Having a dirty air filter will lower your gas mileage by quite a bit because your engine is forced to work even harder to run. If the air filter is clogged, it can lower your fuel efficiency by 10 percent. This issue alone is costing you a lot of money on gas. When you get an oil change the mechanic will let you know about the condition of your air filter.

Get a Tune Up

The best way to help save money on gas is to get a tune-up. Bad spark plugs can increase the amount of gas your car uses by 20 percent. Having great plugs will increase the car’s gas mileage by at least four percent. This will definitely help you save money on gas.

Other Vehicle Maintenance

Other things you can do to save money on gas: get an oil change done on a regular basis, get your tires rotated every season and keep your vehicle in the best shape.