SAN ANTONIO – Increasing your gas mileage is a must as fuel prices continue to rise. A Texas mechanic is offering some inexpensive and easy do-it-yourself ways to save a little money.
Jeff Buckley is a Texas master technician and member of the Automotive Service Association, a group that represents professionals in the automotive repair industry through education.
He said he knows everyone’s looking to get more miles out of their fuel tanks, so he offers tips on his social media channels to help his followers.
Buckley said a tire alignment and proper tire pressure are the basic ways to start saving.
“You want the proper amount of air on the tire. It’s easier to roll. When it’s easier to roll, you’re going to get a little better mileage,” he said.
The recommended amount of air is printed on a sticker on the door of the vehicle, and printed on the tire. He says it’s important to know if the tires on the vehicle are the original from the manufacturer or if they have been replaced by bigger or smaller tires. He says it’s also important that people remember heat can cause the air pressure to drop.
Buckley said it’s crucial to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance, which means getting oil changes and investing in a fuel or engine cleaner or stabilizer that you can purchase at an auto parts store.
“If you keep the fuel good, then we’re going to get the better mileage,” Buckley said.
Clean your trunk from clutter. Any extras that weigh your vehicle down will make it work harder to go, wasting more fuel.
Consider changing your driving habits. Speeding, braking or taking off too quickly from a stoplight can waste more fuel.
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