Tip # 4 Save On Gas

Here are some of the many ways to save on gas.

Check Your Tire Pressure. Get a tire pressure gauge. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You could save as much as 3% on gas, which for an average driver would be about $50/year.

Take Off the Luggage Rack! If you are driving around with a luggage rack, you could be reducing your fuel efficiency by 10%. Take it off it when you aren't using it. This would save an average driver about $150/year.

Use a Cash-Back Credit Card. For all purchases, you should be using a credit card that gives you cash back. If you are a college student, Citi offers a card that gives 2% cash back on gas, groceries, and drug-store purchases. Make sure to check out our page about rewards credit cards.

Junk in the Trunk. Some people use their cars as a second closet. All this extra weight reduces your mileage.

Don't Buy Premium. Use regular gas unless your car's manual says that you need premium. If your car doesn't require premium, then buying it will not help your mileage or your performance.

Know When to Use the AC. At slow speeds, it is more efficient to roll down the windows. At high speeds, air conditioning is more fuel efficient because rolling down the windows increases wind resistance.

Drive Slower on the Highway. Fuel efficiency is usually lower at high speeds. Here is a chart for a typical car: