Tips to Save on Fuel

Everyone in the U.S. is feeling the negative impact of the rising cost of fuel. It impacts individuals as well as businesses, particularly those businesses that rely on a fleet of trucks to get its products to consumers. Business owners across the country have to pass rising fuel costs on to customers by increasing their prices or adding surcharges. Unfortunately, government experts are estimating that gas prices could reach as high as $4 a gallon this summer, so there does not appear to be an end in sight.

Tips to save fuel:

• Fill your tank with a lower-octane gasoline: Higher-octane gasoline is a waste of money unless required by your car.

• Don?t top off: Any additional gasoline is just going to seep out. Stop pumping at the first indication your tank is full.

• Tighten your gas cap: Gas will evaporate from the tank if the cap is too loose.

• Park in the shade and buy a windshield shade: Not only does this keep you from running your air conditioner as long or as high, it also keeps the sun from zapping fuel from your tank.

• Pump up your tires: Under inflated tires wear down more quickly and can lower your car?s gas mileage.

• Check your spark plugs: Misfiring spark plugs can reduce a car?s fuel efficiency by 30
  percent.

• Replace air filters: Your engine has to work harder when the air filter becomes clogged; replacing it can improve your gas mileage by 10 percent.

• Avoid prolonged warming up of your car: 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

• Buy gasoline during coolest times of day, such as early morning or late evening: This is when gasoline is densest.

• Plan trips to avoid unnecessary driving: Run your errands all in one trip, rather than
  making separate trips.

• Keep your windows and sun roof closed when traveling at high speeds: When open,
  windows and sun roofs cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage.

• Change your work time to avoid gridlock: Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.

• Drive at lower speeds: The faster you drive, the lower your gas mileage.

• Accelerate slowly from a stop: Jack-rabbit starts lower your gas mileage.

• Drive less: Arrange carpools, or walk or bike when possible.