You may not know that you have more control over the high price of gas than you realize. That’s not to say you’re going to change the price at the pump, but you can control how much gas your car uses. Maintenance is key to battling high gas prices. A well maintained car is an efficient car. Don’t ignore those regular recommended visits to the service center. Your dealer knows that car best, so follow those suggestions, and your car will continue to get good gas mileage longer.
Tires
This is so simple and it is the least expensive maintenance you’ll do on your car. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Also rotate them every 5,000 miles. As a rule of thumb, rotate your tires when you get your oil changed. Good tires have a better relationship with the road. That means less drag. That means the engine isn’t working as hard to keep you going.
Oil and Filter Changes
Don’t make your engine overwork because the lubrication is gunky. Or worse, don’t let it overheat because you don’t have enough oil in the car. Don’t cheap out and skip the filter change. Clean oil and a filter are the foundation to good car maintenance.
Tune-up
This is the big once over that will really cost some bucks, but a well maintained car gets a scheduled tune-up every 60,000 miles or so. You’ll be amazed at how much your gas mileage will improve after everything’s been cleaned and replaced. Wtih gas prices about to jump up again, now might be the best time to take your car to the dealer for a tune-up
If you just keep up with these three maintenance requirements, you’ll extend the life of your car and you will also save money on gasoline. You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much you spend.