Wow, gas prices are really expensive nowadays, aren't they? Not to worry my friends, I intend on showing you some great ways to save gas so that you can save that all important money for something more important, perhaps some guilt-free entertainment, like a night at the movies.

I say this because money is being lost in the entertainment industry because the nation's disposable income is dropping, partly due to gas prices. Usually when there is a drop in the economy, or gas prices rise, entertainment is the first thing squeezed from a person's budget. But it does not have to be that way. Here is some gas saving tips.

Did you know that by having your car warm up for more than 30-45 seconds in the morning can lead to 30% more fuel consumption? I didn't know that until the other day when I was reading through a new book I purchased, "Auto Repair for Dummies" - which I would highly recommend to anyone. Quick side note: this book is not just for complete auto "dummies," but is actually quite valid for the auto repair novice as well as expert. Everyone can always stand to learn more about auto repair. Back to warming up your car.

I always thought that you were supposed to let your car warm up for 1-2 minutes as a rule of thumb. This tip alone can save me quite a bit of money when I go to fill up at the pump next time. Another little fact that I learned is that it matters what time of day you buy gas. As a general guideline it is best to purchase gas when it is the coolest time of the day: for example, in the morning or evening. This is because during these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind – gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".



Learning to drive more economically is very important in saving money. Never exceed the legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel robs you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

Eliminate jack-rabbit starts . Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency. When it comes to the starting up and taking off phase, avoiding reverse can also help in saving gas. And last, but of course not least, tuning up your car regularly will save gas as your car will function at its highest point of efficiency this way. Again, "Auto Repair for Dummies" will save you money – not to mention hassle; like waiting around - doing the tune-up, because you won't need to take your car into a shop to have a mechanic do it for you."

Even if you use only a few of these techniques, I am positive you will see a difference in both fuel saved and change saved in your pockets. Happy driving! 



Dan Olson writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are his.