Save Gas with Easy Car Maintenance: Simple Tips for Better Fuel Efficiency

There are some easy maintenance tasks you do on your own to help you save money on gas. You don't have to be an expert mechanic to accomplish these things. You just need a few minutes' free time and a little know-how.

1. Tire Inflation

If your tires aren't inflated properly, you're wasting money on gas. The air pressure in a tire is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). If you have a slow leak in a tire, it loses PSI, and eventually that tire isn't making proper contact with road. This, in turn, leads to a slight amount of drag and forces the car to use more fuel to get you to your destination. Check the pressure on your tires at a gas station and keep them filled to the proper PSI to save money on gas.

Extra Tip: The PSI rating is written on the side of each tire.

2. Change the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can force your engine to use more gas. Filters will become clogged more quickly in areas that have a lot of dust. Check the owner's manual for your car to figure out which brand and model number of air filter you need. Follow the steps in your owner's manual to swap out the old filter for the new one. Your car's engine will "breathe" more easily, and you'll save money on gas.

Extra Tip: This is a task that usually requires only a pair of pliers or a socket wrench to carry out.