Five Great Tips To Save On Gas

 

1. Clean Out Your Trunk

Trunk storage is handy but heavy items can weigh you down.We all know smaller cars get better gas mileage — but if you're weighing down your car with a set of golf clubs or an emergency water supply in the trunk, it'll take a toll on your fuel efficiency. A loaded roof rack, similarly, will increase weight but also cause aerodynamic drag, cutting mileage by up to 5%.

Every extra 100 pounds is estimated to cut a vehicle's mileage by 2%.

2. Keep Windows Closed

The more aerodynamic your vehicle is, the more open windows will cause a drag and impact your gas mileage's bottom line — up to 10%, a study found.

But, if you're moving at less than 45 mph, wind resistance shouldn't make a significant difference.
Can you compensate for closed windows with the air conditioning? Consumer Reports found a Honda Accord at 65 mph lost 3 mpg in gas mileage when running the A/C. Since you'll lose out either way, it may be a matter of opinion which luxury to go without.

3. Fill Up Your Tires

A reminder to keep up with routine maintenance carries more weight when it will save you money — and a stop by the air pump will do just that. Keeping your tires filled can improve gas mileage by 3% or more.

4. Drive a Steady (and Modest) Speed

Once you break 60 mph, you're losing fuel efficiency — 10% for every additional 5 mph.
Accelerating and hitting the breaks will eat up fuel as well, so if possible, avoid the road during rush hour or other times when stop-and-go traffic is likely.

5. Don't Buy Pricey Gas

It's been thought that premium gas gives cars better gas mileage, but it's untrue. Save money on gas by purchasing the grade that is recommended for your car — you won't benefit by spending more.
Additionally, avoid the gas station on days when prices are higher. If you’re running on empty, you may not be able to wait, but what if you could predict if gas prices will rise or fall tomorrow?

Fuelcaster™, the latest tech from Esurance, is the industry’s first gas price predictor. Enter your zip code on fuelcaster.com to see if gas prices will rise or fall tomorrow, as well as locate the cheapest fuel in your neighborhood.

Fill up when prices are low and you'll save money in the long run.

Credit to Mashable.com

When To Know It's Time To Get Your Brakes Checked

Here are 5 ways to know that it is time to get your brakes checked or replaced!

1) Worn Pads: You'll have to estimate, but generally, your pads should be at least one-quarter of an inch thick. If they're any thinner than that, it's a good idea to get them changed.

2) Strange Sounds: One of the warning signs that your brakes need servicing can come from a small indicator in your braking system that emits a high-pitched squeal when your pads need replacing. And, while this sound is loud enough to be heard even when the windows are up, it might be tough to hear with Lady Gaga blaring from the stereo.

3) Pulling: Has your car ever felt like it has a mind of its own? As if it wants to make right- or left-hand turns while driving or braking? If so, this could indicate a problem with the braking system. Pulling, however, doesn't always indicate a problem with the brakes. The cause could also come from unevenly inflated or worn tires, poor alignment or a problem with your vehicle's suspension.

4) Vibrations: Generally, a vibrating brake pedal indicates warped rotors. Their uneven surfaces will thrum against the brake pads, and you'll feel the feedback through the brake pedal.

5) Temperamental Pedal: A mushy pedal, one that goes practically to the floor before engaging the brakes, could indicate worn pads or a problem with the hydraulic system, such as air in the line, an air leak or a brake fluid leak.

Courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com: http://bit.ly/1fEBTxd