About 10 years ago drivers could take their car to the gas station and “fill ‘er up” for less than $20. Today, the price is close to $4 a gallon, and filling up your car could cost you more than $50 — depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

Many Americans are fed up with paying exorbitant prices for fuel and have resorted to using public transportation, car pooling, or teleworking in an effort to save money on gas. But if you can’t live without driving your car everyday, Consumer Report’s website offers five tips to alleviate your pain at the pump.

Use Websites to Find Cheap Fuel
Escalating fuel prices prompted the proliferation of websites, such as Gasbuddy.com, that help drivers look for the cheapest gas in their area. You can also check out your on-base gas station to see if they have cheap fuel as well.

Reduce Unnecessary Drag
At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. So don't carry things on top of your vehicle when you don't have to. Installing a large Thule Cascade 1700 car-top carrier on a Camry dropped its gas mileage from 35 mpg to 29 at 65 mph. Even driving with empty racks on the car reduces its fuel economy.

Avoid Idling for Long Periods
Consumer reports tested this theory on a Buick Lucerne, with a V8. They let the car sit idle for 10 minutes while warming up, it burned about an eighth of a gallon of gas. A smaller engine would probably burn less, but idling still adds up over time. As a rule, turn off your engine if you expect to sit for more than about 30 seconds. An engine warms up faster as it's driven anyway.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires compromise handling and braking, and wear faster. And they run much hotter, which can lead to tire failure. Check the pressure of your vehicle's tires at least once a month with a tire gauge. The owner's manual explains how to do it.

Don't Use Premium Fuel if You Don't Have To
If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will run better. The only difference you'll see is about 20 cents more per gallon. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Even many cars that require premium gasoline will run well on regular. Check your owner's manual to find out if your engine really requires premium or if you can run on other grades.

For more money-saving tips, visit Military.com's Banking & Saving channel.
 

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