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Tips on making the most of your gas money

Jeremy Hobson Mar 14, 2012

Check your tire pressure

Host Jeremy Hobson’s tire pressure was at 40 lbs, which Fleischaker said was dead on.

Drive at the right speed

It’s all about fuel economy when gas prices keep ticking up. Fleischaker says that the absolute ideal conditions would be 55 mph on the highway for ten miles without touching the breaks — but she admits that kind of ideal rarely happens in real life.

Check the grade

Fleischaker recommends 91 octane for everyone, because it is more filtered, making it burn cleaner and more efficiently. You could actually end up saving money by investing in the higher grade gas.

Clean the air filter

A blocked up air filter could mean 25 percent lower fuel efficiency for your car.

Keep your oil updated

Fleischaker emphasizes the importance of checking your oil, which helps keep the heat level in your car down, improving fuel economy.

Empty your trunk

The average car is carting around 200 extra pounds in the trunk. Cleaning it out and keeping the junk at home can keep your wallet a little happier.

Wash and wax your car

One word: aerodynamics.

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