One of our biggest expenditures is on our automobiles. Between gas, oil changes, repairs and other services, Americans spend a bundle each year on auto related expenses. Here’s 10 ways to save money on those expenses.

1. Air filter

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 cars needs their air filter changed. Dirty air filters can decrease mileage by as much as 10% so money can be saved by having a new, clean one. Change your filter at least once each year for optimum gas mileage.

2. Tire alignment

Poor alignment of your tires causes them to wear faster and causes your engine to work harder. Get your tires aligned at least once a year or suffer another 10% drop in mileage.

3. Tune up

Most car owners never even give their car a tune up. This is a big mistake, as time and wear can cause your engine to stop running optimally. Tune up your car when the manufacturer suggests and your car will last longer and run better.

4. Inflate your tires

Under inflated tires can cause you to lose as much as 3% on your gas mileage. Check your tire inflation every month and make sure your tires are inflated properly to save money at the pump.

5. Gas cap

I know, sounds trivial, but nearly 1 in 5 drivers have either a broken gas cap or none at hall. This can not only harm the evnrionment, it can do harm to your gas mileage as well. Replace any borken or missing gas caps always.

6. Drive the speed limit

Your car actually gets its best gas mileage when you drive about 55 mph. If you’re going 75 or 80 mph on the freeway, slow down, go the speed limit, you’ll save massively on gas mileage. The general rule is, wherever you are driving, you want your RPM’s to be as close to the 2 as possible.

7. Smooth driving

Hard stops and hard accelerations will absolutely kill your gas mileage. If you see a red light up ahead, don’t continue driving until it’s necessary to slow down and then hit the brakes. Simply let off the gas and you will start to slow down as you head towards the light. Then use your brakes to stop, but not to slow down. Always try and slow down by letting of the gas, not using your brakes. When you accelerate, try to avoid getting your RPM’s past the 3.

8. Remove extra weight

Every 100 pounds you add to the weight of the car will decrease fuel efficiency by 2% or more. Don’t drive around with heavy items in your trunk or backseat. Carry as little as possible in your car at all times.

9. Avoid idling

Your car never needs to “warm up,” so don’t sit in the car for a few minutes every morning letting it idle. Starting your car uses the same amount of gas as idling for 10 seconds. As a rule, if you know you will be stopped for longer than 10 seconds, just turn your car off. This also means avoiding the drive thru window.

10. Take the long way

This may sound counter intuitive, but some people prefer to drive on the main expressway with dozens of lights simply because it’s the more direct route to where they are going. If there is a “long way” so to speak, and it is more of a “country road,” then take it. You may feel like you are wasting time and gas, but in reality, it may be the same amount of time, and avoiding all that stop and go traffic will save a bundle at the pump.

These are some of the ways you can improve your driving to help save you some money on gas and on your car. There’s hundreds of other ways to save money, and I will continue to post about them as I’m able. It’s coming up on the end of the year, and that means taxes will soon be upon us. One great way to save money and time is to find a someone who offers free tax services. More on that to come later.