Getting the most from your tank of gas

Though gasoline consumption has declined over the past few decades, drivers are spending more than ever to fuel their daily transportation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, the average American household spent $2,912 on gas last year — just under 4 percent of their pre-tax income. But with some simple changes to your driving habits, you can save a few miles per gallon and cut your spending at the pump.

Don’t ignore your indicators. When the “check engine” light comes on, it’s usually for good reason. Yet many drivers ignore these warnings and their fuel economy suffers. For example, if your car’s oxygen sensor isn’t operating effectively, you can lose up to 3 miles per gallon (mpg). And one of the most overlooked causes of wasted gas is an imprecise cooling system. Have your auto technician regularly check the cooling system to ensure it isn’t running too cold, which can cause the car’s computer to demand more fuel than it needs.

Check the air filter. Dirty air filters can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent. However, new cars only require tune-ups every 100,000 miles — so many drivers aren’t changing them as often. But filters can’t wait that long to be changed. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended air filter service intervals.

Make sure your gas and oil are manufacturer-approved. When choosing the right gas and oil for your car, the owner’s manual should be your guide. Don’t opt for oil that’s thicker than recommended — it can cause your engine to work less efficiently and use more fuel. The same is true for gas. If your vehicle requires high-octane fuel and you use a less-expensive version, the car’s sensors will detect it and you’ll lose power and fuel economy.

Avoid ethanol. The more ethanol in your gas, the less mileage you’ll get from each tank. Gas stations are required to post that the fuel can contain up to 10 percent ethanol (but they aren’t required to post the exact amount of ethanol in the fuel) — so some gas stations have less ethanol than others. You can try various stations until you find the one with the lowest content and highest mileage. Compare your fuel economy with gas from different stations using a calculator, such as the one at www.fueleconomy.gov. I’ve saved up to 3 mpg by finding a local station with the lowest amount of ethanol.

Pump up the tires. Keep your tires properly inflated by checking the owner’s manual, which will include the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. It’s a simple step that can improve fuel efficiency by more than 3 percent.

Don’t speed. As much as we complain about gas prices, it’s remarkable how frequently drivers speed off as the traffic light turns green or pound on the brakes at stop signs. You’ll be surprised how much gas you can save by driving at moderate speeds and avoiding quick acceleration.

Michael Heyman is an instructor/technical team leader at the Orlando campus of Universal Technical Institute, the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. For more information, visit uti.edu