How to make gas prices hurt a little less

How to make gas prices hurt a little less

CREATED Mar 15, 2012

Some ideas that could help you conserve gas.

Reporter: Tammy Vo

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - According to AAA, the average price of one gallon of unleaded gasoline in Arizona is $3.89. With prices this high, trying to cut back by even a little bit makes a difference. Experts have some suggestions on how drivers can do that.

Keep tires properly inflated. You can lose up to 6% in gas mileage for every pound that your tire is under inflated.

Clean out your trunk. For every 250 extra pounds of weight in your car, your engine eats up an extra mile per gallon.

Slow down. Most cars are less efficient at higher speeds. You'll save an estimated miles per gallon by driving 55 mph rather than 65 mph.

Be a good driver. It will keep you safe and save you money. For example, accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed rather than speeding up and slowing down and avoid slamming on the brakes.

Keep your windows closed. Open windows can reduce mileage by as much as ten percent.

Finally, keep your car tuned up because it could be leaking gas and you may not even know it.  A poorly tuned car can use up to 25% more gas.