Since the price of gas is going back up, here are some reminders of how you can keep that pain at the pump to a minimum.

Check the air in your tires monthly. Just because your low tire does not light up on the dash does not mean that your tires could be 3 or 4 pounds under what they should be. The low tire light will come on usually when you are five pounds or more below what the manufacturer recommends.

Unload your trunk, anything you do not use daily has to go. For us golfers I know its a pain but thirty to fifty pounds of those bags can make a difference.

If you do not want to use premium fuel and your car does not require it at least put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in your gas tank every month, more often if you drive a lot.

If you are in stop and go traffic everyday when leaving the office, leave a little earlier or later to avoid the traffic jams.

Check with your mechanic on spark plug life, today’s spark plugs are made to last 75,000 to 100,000 miles but don’t wait for your car to tell you it’s time for a tune-up.

Check your miles per gallon (MPG) readout on your dash occasionally, most of today’s cars have have it with the push of a button. If your MPG changes more that ten percent, something is up.

Use your cruise control whenever possible, I know its tough on the highways being like Death Race 2000, especially when a trucker is so close to your behind that you can see the bugs on his grille.

Join a fuel rewards program, they don’t cost extra and you can get future fuel credits or some lower the per gallon price for you at the pump.

Change your air filter yearly or more often if you live or travel on a dirt road.

Goes without saying but no jackrabbit starts.

Of course the easiest way to save fuel is to buy a Hybrid or Electric vehicle.

I owned an auto shop for thirty years and I am certified by Automotive Service Excellence in Auto Mechanical Repairs, Service Manager and Parts Specialist. You can reach me thru here or a http://www.jorgegoyanes.com