Sean Smith's Car Blogs And More

 Sean's Note: All of us want to save money on gas, and with gas prices fluctuating, we all need to look at ways to improve gas mileage.  The following article will help you save money on gasoline and increase your gas mileage.

 

Gas Saving Tips from the Pros

(ARA) - They're up, they're down, they're back up. Gas prices got you down? If telecommuting and pubic transportation are not viable options for you, here's some down-to-earth advice from the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

It is important to keep your vehicle properly maintained and change your driving habits so as to maximize your mileage, according to ASE officials. Here's a plan of action from the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians:

Monitor your tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Consolidate your daily trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control. (You'll help your brakes and suspension system last longer, too.)

Get rid of excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. After family vacations, make sure you remove all unnecessary items, including that roof-top cargo carrier.