Frugal Family: Driving for Less

With gas prices continuing to rise, many people are looking for ways to save at the pump. Bonus cards that some grocery chains offer save you 10 cents off a gallon once you spend a certain amount at their stores. Credit cards also offer cash back savings. In both cases, however, you have to spend to save. If you're spending anyway it's worth it,  but if not, there are other ways to save at the pump.

1. Check local gas prices but don't waste gas by going out of your way. If you're going to be in Bethlehem (where as of 7:59 a.m. on Tuesday the Turkey Hill at 6000 Sterner's Way & Bath Pike had gas priced the lowest in the Lehigh Valley at $3.79 per gallon) then go for it. Check WFMZ's website and compare where you're going with the prices in the area. Gasbuddy is another great resource for checking local gas prices. The plus is that if you're a registered member you can help keep prices updated and earn points by doing so. What can you do with the points? The current prize give-away is $250 in prepaid gas. 

2. Combine trips. If you need to go to the bank, grocery store, and post office get everything done in one trip. Check the United States Postal Service's website; you may find another post office location you were unaware of that's closer to where you need to go. 

3. Check your tire pressure. According to Lauren Fix the Car Coach, checking your tire pressure once a month could improve your fuel economy 2 to 3 miles to the gallon. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jam or the glove box and in your owner's manual. 

4. Replace that air filter. If you've ever gone to one of those quick change oil places, they're always ready, willing and able to replace the car filter. Should you let them? Should you replace it if they recommend it? It may not be a bad idea. Lauren Fix also recommends changing your air filter every six months. According to Fix, “That will improve your fuel economy 3 to 4 miles to the gallon.” AAMCO's website also recommends replacing dirty air filters to improve gas mileage, engine performance and acceleration.

5. Don't drive angry. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's website, aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas and can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent driving around your neighborhood.

6. Utilize that cruise control feature and try not to over-pack if you're going on a trip -- that extra luggage doesn't help. The Federal Trade Commission's website states that an extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 percent. If you choose to use a roof rack, that's even worse. The wind resistance created can decrease fuel economy by up to 5 percent.

Need a tire gauge or other automotive accessories - here are a few auto parts stores in the area but you can always check google maps for one that's closer. . .and save gas.

• AutoZone 6306 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown PA 610-366-9456
• Faust Auto Parts 683 Grande Road, Allentown PA 610-395-2829
• K & P Auto Parts 5006 Chapmans Road, Allentown  610-395-2003
• Orefield Auto Parts,  2810 Pennsylvania 309, Orefield 610-398-0419 
• Pep Boys Auto Parts, Tires and Service  1901MacArthur Road, Whitehall, 610-432-251
• Walmart Supercenter  1091 Millcreed Road, Allentown PA 610-530-1400