Save gas with preventative maintenance practice tips

April marks National Car Care Month -- the perfect time to make a visit to your automotive technician for a complete check-up.

But after that check-up is finished, it becomes your responsibility to keep your car in tip-top shape by performing necessary preventative maintenance -- a practice that can mean significant savings at the gas pump.

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Gas prices may be soaring, but by following these simple gas-saving measures, you can keep more cash in your wallet:

1. Check tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in the glove box. Compare the pressure in the tires with the recommended pressure listed in the owner's manual and on the placard in the car door. Then inflate the tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when tires are cold -- early morning is a great time after the car's been idle overnight.

2. Pump up the tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and can lower a car's gas mileage by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of the tires by 15 percent or more, so make sure to keep the tires set at the proper pressure.

3. Keep the engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give the car regular tune-ups. Also, watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

4. Replace air filters. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes the engine to work harder and the car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have the engine air filter checked at each oil change.

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5. Use the right oil. Improve the car's gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with friction-reducing additives.

6. Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling the car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste money paying for gas the car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that the tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.

7. Tighten up that gas cap. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.

8. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from the gas tank. So park the car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of the car.

9. Got a garage? Parking in the garage will help the car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and stop depending as much on the gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when driving.

10. Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. A car's performance depends on it. Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance and obey the car-care guidelines outlined in the owner's manual. Remember, the car is designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient.