Saving Money At The Pump






by Bernard Bowers


With today's sky-high gas prices, you're sure to have seen some TV advertisements for so-called fuel-saving products. Are these products really as good as they claim to be, or are they just overrated TV hype? Are they trying to take away more from our automotive budget by exploiting an unpleasant situation?

To be honest, you're probably as high as the aforementioned gentlemen if you think these devices and additives are worth it. Savings have not been even worth bothering with, for the very few products that have been proven to be effective - albeit, hardly.

Mr. Washed-Up NASCAR Hero, Ms. Past-Her-Prime Movie Star and other pitchmen, though, will fawn over these products in the ads and claim wondrous effects. They will bend over backwards to tell you how these products can help you save big-time. Right...and I'm Dale Earnhardt Jr. The EPA, no less, has tested more than a hundred of these fuel economy thingamabobs and found none of them - that's right, ZERO - capable of living up to their promises.

Some of the products can even damage your car. So much for cost savings! Please be skeptical of advertising claims for gas saving devices.

On top of that, these manufacturers have another way of reaching into your wallet. "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government." Actually, no government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If you really want to be sure about things, you'll want to check www.epa.gov or ask for a copy of the EPA's report.

If you want to improve your car's mileage, follow the advice in this article. These tips work better than any wallet-busting cockamamie gas saving device in the market.

Buy only the octane level gas you need.

More speed means more gas wasted. It's a fact.

Use overdrive gears during highway driving. This can lengthen the life of your engine.

Highway trips are also the best time to use cruise control.

Unless you really have to, avoid braking or accelerating too hard. Tailgating is a no-no. This tip alone can improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. Abrupt starting and stopping of your car is a real fuel-waster, and a fast way of ruining your carpeting and seating if you've got car sick passengers on board.

Don't leave your car on idle too long.

Avoid carrying excess weight in your trunk.

Give your engine a regular tune-up. You can end up wasting about 10 to 20 percent of fuel at the most if you don't take time to give your engine regular maintenance.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Check them once a month. Your car will use up about six percent more fuel if tires aren't inflated and aligned properly.

Replace oil and oil filters regularly.

Inspect your air filters and have them replaced if needed. Many don't realize that a clogged air filter could make a car more wasteful by up to ten percent.

Why buy a product that would make your pockets lighter and save you an inconsequential amount of gas money? These are quick and simple fuel saving tips that could save you a hundred bucks easy every year!




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