Nov 19, 2007 3:48 pm US/Pacific
Save With Dave: How To Save On Gas
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
We've all felt the pain at the pump recently.
"It's ridiculous, something's gotta be done," says Patty St. Cloud, a local motorist.
While we can't control the soaring prices, there are some things you can do to get better gas mileage.
"One could be, an air filter could be dirty and clogged up, causing not maximum air flow to go through; spark plugs which would be under here could be worn," explains Jason Kertel, automotive expert.
A dirty air filter and worn spark plugs could cause you to lose two miles per gallon each.
"Another thing could be tires, tires are underinflated, this one's okay, but if they're underinflated, then they can cost gas mileage," says Jason.
Obviously, underinflated tires are a big problem as far as gas mileage goes. But, another problem and a lot of people don't know this, 17% of all gas caps, they've got problems with them, they're either broken, damaged or they're leaking gas, that can put upwards of 147 million gallons of gas vaporized back into the air each year.
Let's take a look at our checklist:
- With a loose gas cap, you can lose two miles per gallon.
- Same with underinflated tires
- A dirty air filter
- Worn sparkplugs
- A worn oxygen sensor can cost you three miles per gallon
- Dirty engine oil can make you lose .4 miles per gallon.
The cost to you?
"I'd say couple hundred dollars a year, minimum," says Jason.
By neglecting all those things we mentioned, Jason estimates you'll lose about 10% of gas per tank. If you spend about $200 on gas a month, in one year you'd save about $240 by being on top of your maintenance.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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