Easy ways to improve gas mileage

With the weather warming up and gas prices still sky-high, here are a few tips for saving money by extending your car’s gas mileage:

•Slow down and save. Optimal gas mileage is obtained at about 45 mph.

•Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace. Anticipate traffic patterns, so you come to a gradual, gentle stop, and avoid jack-rabbit starts.

•Avoid idling. Idling vehicles get 0 miles per gallon. If you’re going to be waiting more than 60 seconds, turn off your engine.

•Keep your car well-maintained. Properly inflated tires, regular oil changes and tune-ups, and a clean air filter all promote extended mileage.

•Plan ahead. Combine several errands into one trip, and you’ll save time as well as gas.

•Jettison extra weight. Unload accumulated cargo from the trunk, floor boards or truck bed. Additional weight eats up fuel.

•Car pool. Sharing the ride shares the expense.

•Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle. When you’ve got a choice, keep the gas-guzzler in the garage and use your compact car. Better yet, trade in the gas-guzzler for something more efficient.

•Limit use of air conditioning. Air conditioning is a huge fuel waster. On cool mornings and evenings, do without. Keep in mind though, that driving with windows wide open creates drag and decreases gas mileage. Find a balance between the two.

•If possible, stay away from rush-hour traffic. Stop-and-go, bumper-to-bumper driving burns fuel.