Save Money on Gas

My daughter was having problems with her car eating gas. She would put $20 in and the needle would be laying on empty in a day or two. I kept telling her to get her oil changed and put good tires on her car and she would see a difference. She was amazed at how much money she saved on gas after her car was properly maintained. Here are some ideas on what can be done to save some of your money even when gas prices are so high.
1. The more you press your brakes, the more gas you use. Watch the lights ahead of you and decelerate if it is red. Only use your brakes if you have to come to a full stop. Don't tailgate, so you don't have to keep pressing your brakes to keep from hitting the person in front of you. Always be aware of the traffic ahead of you and keep your speed in accordance so you don't have to keep braking. Also, choose a route with less traffic and traffic lights. It may be a longer route, but might still be better on your gas mileage.
2. If you have cruise control, use it. You do not use as much gas when the speed is kept constant. When you are standing still for a long period of time, shift into neutral. If you are waiting for an extra long train, or stuck in non-moving traffic, just turn your car off for the duration.
3. Take some of the extra weight out of your car. If it is not a necessity, such as spare tire and emergency kits, take it out of your truck or backseat floor board. If you drive around with empty bike rakes or luggage racks, you are eating up more gas due to the wind resistance as well as the extra weight.
4. The use of air conditioning and keeping your windows open, both take a toll on your gas consumption. A good rule of thumb is, at high speeds, run your air conditioner and at slower speed, open your window.
5. Change your oil when you are supposed to, and use the right grade of motor oil.
6. Check your fuel cap. Gas is lost when it doesn't seal correctly.
7. In the summer, don't top off your tank. The gas is cool underground, but when it heats up it expands and tends to spill out of your tank.
8. Check your tires and make sure they have the proper amount of air in them.