Car Insurance

The cost of gasoline is at an all time high, so many motorists are wondering what they can do to improve their gas mileage. What you spend at the pump is influenced in part by how you drive and what type of gasoline you use to fill your tank. Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane) and premium (usually92 or 93). Octane ratings measure a gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders.

To improve your gas mileage, drivers should:

* Choose the right octane for your car. Check your owner’s manual to find out what octane your engine needs, then buy it. Resist the urge to buy higher octane gas for “premium” performance. Using a higher octane gasoline than your owner’s manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. Premium gas also costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular gas. That can add up to $100 or more a year in extra costs. The only time you might want to switch to a higher octane level is if your car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel.

* Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Properly inflated tires provide less road-resistance and can improve fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the guide to appropriate inflation levels.

* Keep your engine maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure that you change the oil and get tune-ups according to your owner’s manual.

* Drive within the posted speed limits.