How to Save at the Pump

• Change your air filter -- Modern cars have computers that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture, overcoming dirty filters.
• A/C or not A/C -- Auto air conditioners are much more efficient than they used to be, costing about one mile per gallon in the city, while having open windows at highway speeds causes gas-draining wind drag on the car.
• Bolt-on and pour-in products -- Oil companies would jump on additives as fast as auto companies would flock to gas-saving devices in order to boost their profits. Consumer Reports auto testing head David Champion says: "There are a number of gas-saving devices that are generally useless."
• Use premium gas -- A lot of people use even more pricey premium thinking it will extend their mileage, but for newer cars the good stuff is only recommended, not required, and cars do well on regular gas.
• Monitor the air in your tires -- Over-inflating your tires means less grip for braking and turning, making the added risk of a crash not worth the extra mile per gallon you might get.
• Fill your tank in the morning -- The notion that gas is denser when it's cooler is just that - a notion that doesn't hold up in reality.