Easy Way to Happiness

Remember four-dollar-plus gas prices? Gas may have come down, but in most places it’s currently hovering around three dollars per gallon. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee it won’t continue to go up again. Well, here are six steps you can take to keep a little more of your money in your wallet and away from the pump.

1. Keep tires properly inflated. Improperly inflated tires are harder to spin and create extra drag. Check your tires frequently – it doesn’t cost anything! Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll be driving safer.

2. Check tire alignment. Tires that aren’t in alignment make your engine work harder, which means burning more gas. Check your tires alignment every 6 to 9 months.

3. Have your brakes checked. Brakes that are improperly aligned or worn make braking much less efficient, which in turn means you have to brake longer or harder, and burn more gas to accelerate again. Check your brakes whenever you have your tires aligned.

4. Tune your engine. A poorly tuned engine uses more gas, plain and simple. Have your engine’s timing checked, and replace worn or dirty spark plugs.

5. Spend less time idling. You are getting no miles per gallon while you are idling. Although it takes more gas when you start your car, if you will be idling more than 30 seconds it is better to shut off your engine.

6. Improve your driving. Don’t over-accelerate just to brake, like accelerating between stop signs more than you need to reach the next stop sign. Avoid stop-and-go traffic; do your errands during off-peak times when there is less traffic.

These are some of the ways to improve gas mileage. Websites like gasforlessmoney.com list many more easy and practical gas-saving tips. Keep in mind that gas mileage improvement of 10% becomes a savings of $5-$10 when you fill up!

The author is currently working through her Accelerated Nursing Programs.