So you’ve BOUGHT a car

FILL UP with a lower octane gasolene.

Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasolene that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money.

That pricey premium fuel won’t boost your car’s fuel economy or performance. So if you can, skip it. If you’re not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner’s manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn’t knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you’re good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasolene could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

PUMP UP YOUR TYRES

Don’t get caught driving on underinflated tyres. They wear down more quickly and also lower your car’s gas mileage, which may plummet as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tyres may also reduce the life of your tyres by 15 per cent or more. Tyres that have low pressure offer resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at optimum performance.

KEEP YOUR ENGINE IN TUNE

Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about four per cent, so be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You’ll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent.

USE THE RIGHT OIL

You can improve your car’s gas mileage by one to two per cent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words ‘energy conserving’ on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

DON’T SKIMP ON MAINTENANCE

Be serious about auto care. Your car’s performance depends on it. Always follow the manufacturerrecommended maintenance as your car is designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won’t be as efficient. Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner’s manual.