Use octane called for by the manufacturer. Check your vehicle owner’s manual. If your vehicle does not require premium or mid-grade fuel, purchase less expensive, regular unleaded gas. Motorists can save hundreds of dollars over time by not springing for extra octane.

Keep tires inflated at the proper pressure. Under inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy by as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level.

Moving components should be properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly. This will help your vehicle achieve maximum fuel economy and extend its useful life.

Don’t race a cold engine to warm it up. Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Start driving as soon as the engine is started but avoid rapid acceleration.

Use air conditioning only when needed. Air conditioning dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most air conditioners have an “economy” setting that allows the circulation of unchilled air.

Spark plugs must be in good condition. Some will last for 100,000 miles, but many need to be replaced more often.

Check the air filter twice a year, or more often in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter increases fuel consumption and can cause poor performance.

Take care of car-care “incidentals” that can affect fuel use. For example, a defective radiator thermostat can waste gas by extending the engine’s warm-up time or decreasing the engine’s operating temperature. A stuck brake caliper can create drag, which also wastes fuel.

Make sure a replacement gas cap is the right one for your car. A poorly fitting cap can cause engine problems.

Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

Change your oil when you tune-up your car, and use the weight recommended by the manufacturer. Oil that is too heavy forces the engine to waste fuel in overcoming the oil’s resistance, and overly-thin oil does not adequately protect your engine.

Wheels need to be properly aligned to prevent drag and shortened tire life.

Driving Habits

Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and keep needless miles off the odometer

If you own more than one car – especially if one of your vehicles is a less fuel-efficient truck, SUV or van – use the more energy conserving vehicle.

Combine errands. Find one location where you can take care of all banking, grocery shopping and other chores.

SLOW DOWN. The faster a vehicle travels, the more gas it burns. Driving faster than posted speed limits is dangerous and increases stress.

Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

Lighten the load. Don’t haul extra weight in the passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A heavier vehicle uses more gasoline.

Shop for low gasoline prices locally, but don’t waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day or late evening. During these times gasoline is densest.

Maintain steady speeds for the best fuel economy. A car uses extra fuel when it accelerates.

Travel at moderate speeds on the open road. Higher speeds require more gasoline use to overcome air resistance.

Don’t top off your gas tank. In warm weather, fuel expansion can cause an overflow.

Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drab, reducing your mileage by 10 percent.

Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.

Car pool.