Get the most out of your tank

April

We are heading off for a family vacation very soon and with gas prices having gone up over $0.30 a gallon this past week alone, I have been searching the internet for ways to get every penny’s worth from my tank of gasoline.

- Observe the Speed Limit - Not only is it safer, but I’ve read for every 5 mph over 60 mph you drive, it is like spending an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.

- Take a Brake - literally, use cruise control. Maintaining a steady speed might save you some gasoline, an average savings of 7%, according to an edmunds.com study.

- Ride light - remove all the heavy weight in your trunk. Time to remove the snow shovel, kitty litter, stuff you’ve been hauling around all winter. If you aren’t playing golf this week, remove those clubs! Removing an extra 100 pounds from your vehicle could save you between $0.03 and $0.06 per gallon.

- Check your tires - make sure your tires are properly inflated. Not only are underinflated tires a safety hazard, but having them properly inflated can help you get better fuel economy.

There are also several websites where you can either track gasoline prices or find the lowest priced gasoline in your area. The more popular ones I’ve listed below: