Gasoline prices are starting to climb again. If you are looking for ways to save at the pump, these tips have been found to be very effective for improving gas mileage.

1. Make sure tires are properly inflated – It might sound too simple to be true, but driving on tires that are properly inflated can save you up to as much as $0.11/ gallon. Underinflated tires are a hazard to driving safety. It also causes them to wear out prematurely, which means you will have to replace them earlier that you should These are all excellent reasons to invest in a tire pressure gauge so you can check the air pressure once a month.
2. Use the octane level recommended for your vehicle – Some vehicle owners think it’s better to use a high-octane fuel. This is only necessary if it’s required for your particular vehicle make and model. In fact, approximately 20% of drivers are purchasing premium or super octane fuels, but less than 5% of the vehicles on the road have engines that require this higher-octane level. The owner’s manual will let you know the proper octane level to use in your vehicle.
3. Drive slower, avoid fast starts/stops and use cruise control when you can – This is probably easier said than done, especially in New Jersey where it seems everyone has to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Slowing down definitely has its advantages. Aside from the fact that you will feel more relaxed, you will get better gas mileage. For every 5 mph in reduced highway speed, fuel consumption is reduced by 7%.
4. Don’t idle if you don’t have to – There’s no need to warm up your car before you drive in the winter. If you plan to be stopped for an extended amount of time, turn off your vehicle.
   Have the Engine Air Filter replaced regularly – Despite the fact that clean air filters improve gas mileage (as much as 10%!), approximately one of every four vehicles need to have the engine air filter replaced.
5. Make sure your wheels are properly aligned – When the wheels are out of alignment, it forces the vehicle to work harder. The translates into less gas mileage. Not only that, but your tires will wear out quicker and have to be replaced sooner than they should.
6. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk – Added weight decreases gas mileage. You can make your vehicle more fuel efficient by removing any unneeded items from the trunk of your car or back of your SUV or light duty truck.
7. Make a commitment to regular maintenance and tune-ups – Any time your vehicle is using old fluids, it will undergo more wear and tear. That means it won’t operate as efficiently as it could and you’ll be wasting money on gas. Spark plug, wire changes and timing adjustments will make sure the fuel/air mixture is being ignited at the right time. Check the owner’s manual for service intervals or as us.

Need help maintaining your vehicle? Noticing a major decrease in gas mileage? Schedule an appointment with our auto repair shop in Byram, New Jersey.