Ten Tips to Cut the Cost at the Pump

With many analysts predicating high gas prices to stick around for the entire summer, there are steps drivers can take to save money at the pump. The Consumer Federation of America dishes 10 easy ways consumers can add more MPGs to their ride. (Reuters)

Change Your Air Filter A fresh air filter can boost engine performance and add 10% to the car’s mileage and reduce the cost 39 cents per gallon, according to The Consumer Federation of America.

Fix Your Alignment Having your car’s alignment a little cockeyed can put unnecessary strain on your ride and eat up fuel; proper alignment can slash 39 cents per gallon.

Get a Tune Up Get you engine purring like a kitten with regularly tune ups and cut 15 cents per gallon, according to The Consumer Federation of America. (Reuters)

Inflate Your Tires Improperly inflated tires can be costing you time and money. Keeping the air in your tires at the right level can reduce 11 cents per gallon.

Use the Gas Cap According to the Consumer Federation of America, 17% of drivers are rolling with either a faulty or no gas cap at all, this quick and easy fix can save you 3 cents per gallon.

Cut Down on the Weight in Your Car Don’t use your car as a storage facility because for every 100 pounds carried you reduce engine productivity. For every 100 pounds you lose in weight in your car, you save 6 cents per gallon.

Slow Down! Stick to the speed limit:  65mph is an ideal speed for fuel consumption and sticking to that magic number can save you 27 cents per gallon, says The Consumer Federation of America.

Drive Smoothly Don’t bounce between the gas and brake; the easier you shift between accelerating and decelerating the better performance you’ll get from your car. Keeping it smooth can save you 68 cents per gallon.

Don’t Abuse the Break Reduce wear and tear on your breaks and get better mileage if you take your foot off the break when you drive, this easy adjustment can save you 1.35 cents per gallon, says The Consumer Federation of America.

Turn off the Car When you pull off to the side of the road cut the engine and you can save 1 cent per gallon.