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to stops. Anticipate stops ahead, remove your foot from the gas pedal and allow your car to slow itself as you approach the stop, again using the force of velocity instead of gas. (Treating the brake pedal in a similar fashion will reduce costs in that area as well).

Don't ever, ever leave your engine idling! No matter if you are at a bank, a drive through, talking with a friend, or waiting for the right to pass in areas of road construction, turn the engine off. It costs less to turn it on and off than it does to leave it idling, which burns gasoline very quickly.

Fill your gas tank as soon as it reaches the half-way mark. Doing so will prevent some of your gas from evaporating into thin air, as your money will be doing if you let it go to empty between fill-ups..

Keep all maintenance up to date. Have oil changes done every 3000 miles, and replace air filters as needed. Keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer's specifications. Generally the lower they your air pressure, the more gas you will use. Take advantage of additives and fuel injection/gas tank cleaners. Residue in your engine and it's components will lessen your gas mileage.

While it is true your air conditioning will use more gas on than off, it is not a good idea to turn it off and open the windows. The increased drag on the car will decrease your mileage. Keep the temperature as high as you can and use the economy saver option if your car has one. Another way to reduce drag is to keep your car waxed. This alone won't save you a lot, but every little thing you to increase your car's efficiency does add up.

Gain more control over how much gas you burn and you will not only buy less, you will also help to reduce demand and set an example for other drivers out there who aren't thinking of these cost effective techniques. Learn to drive efficiently, and you may find yourself making a game of it, as I do, to see how many miles per gallon you can get. Pay more attentions to your habits and the condition of your engine and you may find yourself with a few extra dollars for a great meal for yourself, instead of feeding your car.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Preston.
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