Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Save on Gas

With the raising price of gas and groceries and unemployment effecting my family personally, I have started this blog to share with my family, friends and everyone else some the tips I have discovered to save YOU money as well as the environment and get healthy at the same time. My wish is to have a new blog each morning so check back daily and pass along to your family and friends if you like what you read.
General Tips - Save $ on Gas -

Whether you drive a large SUV or an economical hybrid, everyone wants to save money on gas. With today's gas prices, an improvement of just one or two miles per gallon can really add up. Here are 10 fuel saving tips to help you improve your car's fuel economy and take the sting out of high fuel prices.

First and foremost - Slow down
One of the best ways to save gas is to reduce your speed. As speed increases, fuel economy decreases. If you typically travel 10 miles over the speed limit on the freeway, try driving the speed limit for a few days. You'll save a lot of fuel and you’ll be surprised that your trip won't take much longer.

Second - Check your tire pressure
Under-inflated tires are one of the most commonly ignored causes of bad MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop); under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which means you need to burn more gas to keep your car moving. Buy a reliable tire gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Be sure to check them when they are cold, since driving the car warms up the tires along with the air inside them, which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner's manual or on the data plate in the driver's door jamb.

Third - Check your air filter
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one.

Fourth - Accelerate with care
Fast starts are fuel-wasters. That doesn't mean you should lightly accelerate away from each light. Accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears.

Five - Hang with the trucks
Ever notice how, in bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace? A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum -- important to those who have to wrangle with those ten-speed truck transmissions -- but it also aids economy, as it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves fuel (and aggravation).

Six - Get back to nature
Consider shutting off the air conditioner and opening the windows. It may be warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. However, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof.

Seven - Back off the Extras
New wheels and tires may look cool, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they'll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. So you might want to consider want over need!

Eight - Clean out your car
If you're the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness you might want to reconsider. Each time you exit your car, take something out. It doesn't take much to acquire an extra 40 or 50 lbs. of stuff. The more weight your car has to lug around, the more fuel it burns. Don’t forget the trunk!

Nine - Downsize
If you're in the market for a new car maybe it‘s time for a smaller car which is more fuel-efficient, and today's small cars are roomier than ever.

Ten - Don't drive
If you can avoid driving, you will save gas. Take the train, public transportation, carpool, and consolidate your shopping trips. Walking or biking is good for your wallet and your health. Before you get in your car, always ask yourself: "Is this trip really necessary?"

"Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers." - George Carlin