Get Gas Costs Even Lower

By Nancy Dunham

You know all those potions you see that suggest adding them to your gasoline tank will help you get improved gas mileage? Forget them, say many auto experts including Ed Kriston and Jeff Boone at AAA Mid Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del.

The best way to pump up your car's mileage is to give it regular TLC. So consider these tips to keep your spring and summer auto travel cost effective:

• Avoid jackrabbit stars and stops. People have a tendency to underestimate the speeds at which they accelerate and decelerate. Those quick starts and stops can affect your gas mileage. The driver who begins to gently brake when a yellow or red light is in view is maximizing gasoline use. At highway speeds, maximum gas mileage is achieved when driving between 55 and 60 miles per hour. Speeds above this will lower overall gas mileage.

• Schedule pre-trip maintenance.  A dirty air filter and worn spark plugs are two factors that can significantly decrease gas mileage. A dirty air filter can lessen the efficiency of the engine. Overworked spark plugs can cause engines to misfire. True, at least one automaker contends that spark plugs do not have to be changed for 100,000 miles, but many auto specialists question that. The bottom line: The longer the plugs are in, the more likely a car will misfire, causing the driver to stomp on the gas.

• Driving conditions dictate maintenance. Those who regularly drive short trips, tow trailers, or drive in city traffic will likely need more frequent maintenance for their cars. Recognize car usage when considering maintenance.

• Put a cap on it.  If you replace your gas cap properly – screw it in securely, you'll save gallons of gas that would otherwise vanish into the air.  A snug gas cap also saves the environment, too.

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