Improve Your Gas Mileage While You Drive

• Reduce your breaking and quick acceleration. Cars use the least amount of gas when they maintain a reasonable speed. Use cruise control whenever possible. Also, driving at slower speeds saves gas.
• Remove all extra weight from your car. While carrying around the golf clubs in the back might be convenient, cars carrying extra weight use more gas.
• Minimize air conditioning use. When possible, close the windows and use the vents to bring in outside air.
• Combine errands into one trip. It sounds like a no-brainer, but think of the miles (and gas) you could save by stopping by the store on the way home from work instead of heading back out.
• Carpool. If you and a co-worker trade off on who drives which day or week, you can both save gas and money.

Keep Your Car in Good Repair

• Check your tire pressure (all 4). It takes more effort for the engine to propel an under inflated tire than a properly inflated one. Beware over-inflation, which can lead to handling problems and uneven wear on the tires.
• Change the air filter. This is an inexpensive part to buy and depending on the car, even a beginner can learn to do it herself. Check the owner's manual for recommendations. Change this more often if you live in a particularly dusty area, travel on dirt or gravel roads or if you off-road for sport.
• Make sure the spark plugs are firing properly. Replace them if they are due.
• Make sure the engine timing is appropriate.
• Inspect the exhaust system and muffler. There should be no holes (Chances are if you have an exhaust problem, you will hear about it.)
• Don't buy the super high octane gas unless your owner's manual recommends it or your engine "knocks" without it. Stay Prepared for Summer Driving, Too

• Emergency kits aren't just for winter. You need to be prepared in the summer months, as well. If your car should become disabled, you'll want to be ready in case there's trouble.

  Following is a list of items that you should keep in your trunk during summer months.

  • A cellular phone is probably the single most important item to have. If you don't want to pay a monthly fee, you can purchase a prepaid phone card. Or, simply purchase a cell phone and keep it (charged) in your car; if you become disabled you can still dial 9-1-1 and you'll be connected to the nearest help station.
  • Engine coolant
  • Sunscreen for body and lips
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • A large flashlight and extra batteries
  • Some blankets and/or sleeping bags
  • Waterproof matches or a lighter
  • Non-perishable food items like high-energy protein bars or trail mixes with nuts and raisins
  • Bottled water
  • A first aid kit
  • A properly inflated spare tire, jack and lug wrench
  • Jumper cables, signal flares, and other car emergency items
  • Warning device (flares or reflective triangles)
  • Compass
  • Pocket knife
  • Plastic trash bags for wind protection
  • Small toolkit that includes pliers, wrench and screwdriver
  • Cards, games, and/or puzzles to help pass the time
  • Extra quart of oil
  • Emergency $10 or $15 (for gas or other unexpected small purchases)
  • Atlas and state/local roadmaps
  • Emergency contact list (in case you are unable to provide this information)
  • "Call Police" sign
  • Hand cleaner (dishwashing liquid works well, as it contains a de-greaser) and paper towels
  • Empty gas can