Cash-saving tips ease pain at the pump

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Story Published: May 1, 2008 at 5:39 PM PST

By Kim Quintero

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EUGENE, Ore. - Gas prices continue to be the talk of the town, but the cost to fuel up isn't as bad as we think. According to a recent study, the U.S. ranks as the 45th cheapest place to fill up, out of 155 surveyed countries.

Compare our national average of $3.65 a gallon to over $8 a gallon across much of Europe, Aruba's $12.03 and Sierra Leone's $18.42 per gallon of gas.

Still, residents are trying to make every penny count, so we set out to find out how you can save a lot on your yearly fuel bill in just a few simple steps.

Instead of driving all over town looking for the cheapest gas, experts say you can start off by adding a little more air.

"Definitely one of the simplest things you can do is checking your air pressure regularly," said Tom Tillotson, Tire Factory's manager.

Tillotson said if you're looking to save some cash, pay attention to those tires.

"Because when your tires are running low, it causes more resistance, rolling resistance, and it causes you to loose gas mileage," said Tillotson.

An estimated 1.2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted annually due to under-inflated tires.

Tillotson also said you should also add your air filter to that checklist. Changing it once every six months can increase your gas mileage by up to 10 percent.

And as temperatures start to rise, you might be tempted to open the window. But experts believe if you turn on the air conditioner instead, you'll burn less gas.

Yet drivers like Bill Kievith are still looking to save a little more dough.

"Now that it's over 40 dollars, I'm saying boy, that's a lot of money," said Kievith.

The sheer shock at the pump has forced him to find his own gas saving tips.

"If you're caught in commuter traffic which I try to avoid here, turn your engine off, if you're sitting there more than 30 seconds," said Kievith.

But when comparing our gas prices to those overseas, driver Bob Proctor remains positive.

"It's still a bargain here," said Proctor.

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