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Aug 16, 2005 4:59 pm US/Pacific
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Web Extra: Ten Tips For Saving Gasoline
(CBS5)
With gas soaring past $3 per gallon, every effort to use less fuel can add up. Here are tips for saving fuel -- and money.
1. Check Your Gas Cap.
One out of every five cars a gas cap that is either "damaged, loose or are missing altogether." This allows gas in your tank vaporize.
2. Check Your Air Filter.
A dirty filter wastes gas and limits engine power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve mileage by as much as 10 percent.
3. Use Cruise Control.
For safety reasons, this only applies on the freeway. But keeping your car at a constant speed saves fuel.
4. Drive Sensibly.
Leave the lead foot at home. Experts say aggressive driving can cut your mileage at highway speeds by more than 30 percent.
5. Check Tire Inflation.
Under-inflated tires can can cost you a mile or two per gallon. Check the pressure at least once a month, when the tires are cold.
6. Avoid Prolonged Warmup.
Even in cold climates, it's not necessary to run the car very long before starting off. Thirty to 40 seconds is sufficient.
7. Close Windows At High Speeds.
Open windows cause air drag, potentially reducing your mileage by 10 percent. Believe it or not, using the air conditioning is more efficient.
8. Dump The Junk.
Whether it's in the trunk or the back seat, extra weight reduces mileage, particularly when traveling uphill.
9. Observe Speed Limits.
Wind resistance increases drastically beyond 40 mph. Obeying the law won't just save you a ticket -- it will save fuel too.
10. Consolidate Travel.
Don't make one trip for one errand. Wait until you have a few tasks in a concentrated area, then take care of them all at once.