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Gasoline prices are increasing across the country. Some say it is due to the oil platform explosion and subsequent leak in the Gulf of Mexico that is driving up prices while other say it is just the typical run up before the summer driving season. Either way, prices are up over the last few weeks. What can you do to improve gas mileage?
1. Check your tire pressure. When tires aren't properly inflated, it's like driving with the parking brake on and can cost you a mile or two per gallon.
2. Inspect the gas cap. About 17 percent of vehicles on the road have gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing all together. Without the proper seal of a gas cap, fuel vaporizes, sending that expensive gas into the air and costing you money.
3. Take it easy. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city streets which translates into 7 to 49 cents per gallon.
4. Obey the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon.
5. Combine errands. Plan your day so you can run errands in one trip. Do them during slower traffic times if possible so you aren't sitting in long traffic lines.
There isn't much you can do about gas prices going up, but there these are some simple ways to improve your gas mileage to get as much as you can from a gallon of gas.