10 Easy Ways to Save Over a $1000 on Gas

1. Get that "Check Engine" Light Checked Out: Boost fuel efficiency up to 40 percent.

Possible Savings: Off the charts

2. Check Your Tire Pressure: Boost fuel efficiency by 25 percent.

Possible Savings 133.9 gallons/year ($485/yr)

3. Change Your Air Filter: Boost fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

Possible Savings 60.9 gallons/yr ($220/yr)

4. Drive 60 or under on the Highway, Not 75: Boost fuel efficiency 7 percent per each 5 mph reduction.

Possible Savings: 57.8 gallons/year ($209/yr)

On the highway, stay close to the speed limit, and keep your speed as constant as traffic allows.  Most cars reach optimal gas mileage at about 60 miles per hour.  Speeding up increases wind resistance against the car, making the engine work harder and burn more gas.  According to the EPA, each 5 mph over 60 that you drive decreases fuel efficiency by up to seven percent.

5. Turn Off the A/C: Boost fuel efficiency by 5 percent.

Possible Savings 31.9 gallons/yr ($115/yr)

6. Get Your Engine Tuned: Boost fuel efficiency by 4 percent.

Possible Savings 25.8 gallons/year ($93/yr)

7. Drive Calmly in the City: Boost fuel efficiency by 5 percent.                       

Possible Savings: 17.9 gallons/yr ($65/yr)

There's a red light up ahead.  You're going to stop when you get to it.  Do you keep your foot on the gas until it's time to brake for the light?  Most of us do, but that doesn't make it make sense. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that accelerating rapidly and braking hard can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by as much as five percent. Look at it this way -- are you willing to spend money to stop at that light sooner?

8. Lose Weight: Boost fuel efficiency by 2 percent per 100 pounds.

Possible Savings 13.1 gallons/yr for each 100 pounds you remove ($48/yr)

Government estimates say that an extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce fuel efficiency by up to two percent.  And that's an average -- the smaller the car, the more extra weight makes the engine work harder. So, empty the trunk.

9. Lose the Roof Rack: Boost fuel efficiency by 2 percent.

Possible Savings 13.1 gallons/year ($48/yr)

Wind resistance is the enemy of fuel efficiency.  Do you have a roof rack?  Every time you drive, it's making your car fight wind resistance, and burn fuel.  Most of the time, that's money you're spending to carry an empty roof rack. Get a two percent boost by taking the thing off.

10. Change Your Oil on Time: Boost fuel efficiency by 1 percent.

Possible Savings 6.6 gallons/year ($24/yr)

After 3,000 miles, changing your oil (using the recommended grade) gives you back 1 percent of your car's mpg rating.

Your Annual Savings?

$1,308 over the next 12 months. Calculations based on average 15,000 miles per year, 55% city driving, 45% highway driving and gas at $3.62 a gallon. Your savings will vary. Savings will also increase as gas prices rise.