10 Real Ways to Really Save Gas and Money

The Car Wizard Weighs in on Saving Gas

Gas prices are getting worse, and it seems like there is no end to our fuel problems. Short of taking up stealing gas as a solution, you can make the best of a bad situation without having to resort to breaking the law---or your car budget---by following the Car Wizard’s latest advice on what you can do starting right now that will make a difference.

10 Ways That Work

Here is a summary of his advice gleaned from the video posted below. The tips offered include:

1. Air Pressure: The importance of being on top of your TPMS sensor and what the trade-off pressure is between mileage and comfort.

2. Basic Maintenance: A partially clogged air filter can cost you a few miles per gallon. In addition, spark plugs that are fouled will not fire optimally resulting in wasted fuel flushed out with the exhaust stroke. Cumulatively, little things like this add up.

3. Don’t Play Red Light, Green Light: Control your acceleration AND your deceleration habits. Peeling out and slamming on your brakes are signs that you are burning good gas (and money) unnecessarily.

4. Octane Rating Myth Buster: Because your car’s computer is not set for handling higher octane fuel, switching from the typical 87 to 91 (or vice versa for cheaper gas) is not going to increase your fuel efficiency or mileage per gallon. Always stick to your manufacturer’s gasoline recommendation.

5. Do Not Ignore the Check Engine Light: That check engine light warning could be related to your mass air flow sensor or oxygen sensor or a misfiring sparkplug detected, all of which can adversely affect your gas mileage. Treating causes of a check engine could save you money down the road.

6. Cruise Control. Use It: Despite how you may feel about it, your cruise control will operate better than you will---especially during long distance driving.

7. Be Judicious about Your AC: In-town driving, leave the AC off if the temperature is a comfortable 75 or lower. On highway, use your AC to reduce drag from an open window. It’s as simple as that.

8. Map It Analog Style: Do not rely on your GPS to always plot the shortest path. Often, you can physically map out your route for a long trip and find that you can shave off 50-100 miles from what the GPS recommends.

9. Gas Apps: Find the price of gas in real time on your phone to plan and choose the best price available.

10. Do Not Add Additives: Additives that promise increased gas mileage are mostly bunk and those that do actually increase mileage provide only an infinitesimal benefit not worth the price of the bottled mile magic. Also, do not add eBay gas saver gizmos that interfere with your vehicle’s engine sensors---they don’t do what they claim.

10 real ways to really save gas and money. CAR WIZARD explains what TO do and NOT to do!

And finally…

For related articles about how to save money on your car, here are a few selected recommendations for your consideration:

• Toyota Rav4 Maintenance on the Cheap

• Spark Plug Car Maintenance Mistakes Many Car Owners and Service Centers Make

• Common Car Maintenance Mistake Owners Make When Diagnosing Their Car’s Engine Problems

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Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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