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There are lots of easy things you can do to save gas. While they may not seem to make a difference, if you make them habits, your car can get up to five more miles per gallon. That doesn't seem like much, but for an average twelve gallon tank that's sixty extra miles every fill-up. If only your frequent flyer miles could match that.

1) Accelerate slowly. Accelerating quickly takes more gas per mile. Think of how much more difficult it is to start running from a standing position than to gradually work up to it.

2) Use air conditioning once your car is going faster than 45mph. If you drive faster than that the air coming in causes drag on your car and it takes more gas to maintain your speed than it would take to just run the AC.

3) Shift the gear to neutral if your car will be idling for more than a few seconds. Just missed that light? Waiting for your kid to get out of piano practice? Turning your car off and on in a short period of time is inefficient, but shifting to neutral is better than leaving your car in drive.

4) Balance your car's weight. Putting all the kids or luggage on one side will affect the suspension and will make your car drive unevenly, which will cost you more in gas and maintenance money.

5) Get your car checked regularly. Cars which have their oil changed and a general inspection on a regular basis will get better gas mileage.

6) Drive the speed limit. Once a car goes above 38mph it costs more gas to make it go faster than you save by having a shorter overall trip.

7) Get directions ahead of time and look over them before you go. If you don't get lost, you won't waste your time and gas.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Enns.
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