With the New Year in full swing, everyone is trying to get back on the right financial track by paying off those Christmas gifts, bills, and big purchases. Many people make lowering their debt a goal with the fresh start of a new year. Financial savings can come in all shapes and forms, but the purpose of a national day to cut energy costs is to create consumer awareness about energy efficiency and is all about using less electricity, and paying less money. Savings may come from energy-efficient appliances, LED light bulbs, and efficient windows, but we think fuel savings is another great way to put more money in your pocket. From changing driving habits to routine preventative maintenance services, your vehicle and your bank account will certainly thank you.

If you had immediate financial savings from increasing your miles per gallon of fuel, what would you buy? Would you save the money or invest it? Gas prices, while they may have decreased a little these past few months, are still a major part of our budgets. According to fuelfreedom.org, in 2011 “American households spent a record average of $4,000 on gasoline, 8.4 percent of their total income.” Yes, the typical America household will have spent $4,155 filling up their gas tanks this year. This record breaking figure is 8.4% of what the median family earns each year, which is the highest amount in thirty years. This decade’s average is around 5.7% of the family budget. Prices also increase when the demand for fuel does. Last year, worldwide demand for petroleum grew by 2.3 million barrels a day to 88 million barrels. Saving money on fuel means more money for vacations, college funds, or dinner dates.

So how can you save on fuel costs? You don’t have to be a hypermiler to save money on fuel. Here are just some of the most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency and save at the pump:

Check your air filter. Nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10% and save around $0.20/gallon.

Align your wheels. Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. Align your tires, and save up to 10% and another $0.20/gallon.

Preventative maintenance and tune-ups can save money. A properly maintained engine can actually improve fuel efficiency by 4%.

Inflate your tires. Experts estimate that more than 1/4 of vehicles are driving on underinflated tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8% in fuel efficiency.

Check your gas cap. Escaping fumes not only hurt fuel economy but release smog-causing compounds into the air.

Slow down on highways. For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%. This habit could actually save money in the long-term.

Drive smoother and try to avoid frequent stop and go motions. Smooth and highway driving could actually save you up to $0.66/gallon.

Brake less. Don’t ride the brake pedal as this will not only wear out brake pads faster but it will increase gas consumption by as much as 35%.

Clean out the trunk. A heavier vehicle will use more gas.

Idle less. It wastes gas and adds to pollution.

Carpool and spend less money immediately.

These are just some of the habits and tips for using less gas and saving money at the pump. The equation is quite simple; using less fuel means spending less money. Caring for your vehicle with preventative maintenance at your Tempe auto repair shop is the beginning of a new outlook on fuel efficiency and financial savings. We are not made of money and it certainly does not grow on trees. Our vehicles can cost enough and shouldn’t require added stress of the cost of fuel. National Cut Your Energy Costs Day doesn’t have to be just on January 10, 2013. We think this would be a great year-round habit and look forward to maintaining your vehicle upon your next visit!