Many drivers may have noticed an increase in the price of fuel lately, and analysts are saying that gas could surge past $4.00 at some point this year. With fuel prices on everyone's mind, AAA recently offered some tips on how drivers can make their dollars go further.
"Every driver is impacted by the increased cost of fuel," said Marshall Doney, AAA National Vice President of automotive and financial services. "There are several easy things drivers can do to stretch each tank of gas and find the lowest fuel prices when it is time to fill up."
One important aspect that many drivers overlook, for example, is their tires. According to AAA, just 17 percent of drivers have their tires properly inflated. However, the U.S. Department of Energy says that properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. If your tires lose air consistently, or you've noticed the tread pattern beginning to wear, it might be a good idea to invest in an entirely new set of tires.
Keeping up with auto maintenance was another recommendation by the automotive group. Certain car repairs, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can have a dramatic effect on a driver's fuel economy. In fact, these type of repairs typically pay for themselves in fuel savings.