No one wants to spend more money on gas and more money on vehicle maintenance than they have to. With our budgets already as tight as they can be, we all have plenty of things we can see ourselves spending more money on. Gas is one of the things in our budget that we can spend less on and still have more of just by changing a few of our habits as drivers. One important tip that can save us money and future car problems is making sure the vehicle is properly maintained and in top shape. According to fueleconomy.gov, “fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Gas mileage can be improved by another 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.” It is also mentioned that using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Furthermore, as found on the website of the USAA, “a well-maintained vehicle performs better and stays on the road longer. You’ll see better gas mileage immediately, and routine service helps avoid more costly problems and ensures that you’re driving a safer and more reliable car.” This is where any driver can see savings in many ways. When you have a trusted repair shop perform routine preventative maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil and filter changes, tire pressure checks, brakes, hoses, belts, and much more at routine intervals, you can save yourself a lot of time and money in the end. It is recommended that a driver “refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for your specific model, as well as state’s vehicle inspection and emissions laws for specifics that apply in your area.” Doing this today could save you on gas tomorrow.