GAS PRICES --Cont'd

As promised from yesterday's post we are going to learn more ways to save at the pump....

Today is going to be a little more of the Mechanical Side of saving money.....

Just because you saw the "M" word (mechanic), do not fear. It is not as complicated as you may imagine.  You can do this I know you can.

1. When you fill up your tank (using some of 7/13/11 tips and tricks) reset your TRIP ODOMETER each time you fill up (and write it on a post-it or notebook and keep it in your vehicle) to see a change in miles per gallon. IF your car does not have one, keep a little notebook of how many gallons of gas you got and how many miles the odometer reads and then write down the new mileage when fill up again. This will sometimes be a warning your vehicle is having issues. When you keep track of this it is easier to explain to your mechanic what it is doing.

2. You go to the doctor for a check up right? Do the same for your car. The maintenace schedule for your vehicle can be found in your owners manual.  TUNE-UPS are great for a car that is not running on its full potential OR all of its cylinders.
        *******I had to write this point because for the longest time my car was making this "jerky, thumpy, clunky" noise and getting terrible gas mileage.  The car would make me angry because it would do this at the most odd times. Well, about $250 later, I found out I needed plugs, wires, a coil.  The mechanic said the set that was on my car was the original set. My car is from the 1990's.
                    So, lesson learned, pass info along to other people to save them the headache I had already endured.


QUICK QUESTION....

Running the Air Conditioning uses more fuel--FACT or FICTION?

The answer is: FICTION. Leave your windows up and turn on your air. You drain more fuel by rolling the windows down thanks to aerodynamics.

3. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE IN ALL FOUR TIRES.   I am posting a "how to" link so you will see exactly how to check pressure in your tires. But first purchase a tire gauge and just keep it in your vehicle--they are only about $1
Here is the link....please take the time and check it out. You may feel like..."(sigh) oh I will do it later" Don't wait, it isnt that long and then you will know how to do it to save yourself some $$$$$ at the pump.
http://www.ehow.com/how_1865_check-add-air.html

4. CHECK YOUR GAS CAP Make sure it’s undamaged and secure. Missing or problematic caps are responsible for 147 million gallons of gas vaporizing annually. (source: Car Care Council (http://www.carcare.org/))


I am in hopes that after reading the last couple of days you have picked up some good ideas and if you know of any that have not been mentioned PLEASE POST THEM!!! We are all looking for ways to save time and money.