Having to pay for gas for your car or truck is just a fact of life. But all of those fill-ups can begin to take a toll on your pocketbook over time, especially if you have a long commute to and from work every day. If you are looking for ways to save money on fuel for your vehicle, one idea you might not have thought of would be to take your car into the local auto repair shop for a tune up. There are various different spots on your car that can affect your miles per gallon if you don't take proper care of them. Here are a few areas you should keep an eye on.

Keep Those Tires Inflated

Just about every gas station these days has a tire pressure station somewhere on the premises. That's somewhat fitting, because poor air pressure in your tires will affect your gas mileage. The harder your car has to work, the more fuel you will burn through. Take an extra two minutes to quickly check the pressure on all of your tires once a month after you fill up the tank.

Clean Air

A clogged air filter can cause multiple problems for your car. Not only does it lower your fuel efficiency, it can also lower your overall engine performance and acceleration. Get your air filter regularly changed out with every oil change to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Put A Cap On It

If your gas cap begins to have problems like not sealing properly, or becoming loose or damaged, head to a local repair shop or auto parts store to either fix the problem or get a new one. When you don't have a gas cap properly installed on your car, you are allowing the fuel to vaporize, costing you money.

Well Oiled

Changing your oil on a regular basis is always a good idea, but you might also want to make sure that you are using an oil approved by your vehicle manufacturer. Certain engines work better and offer better performance when paired with specific brands of motor oil. This in turn will improve your fuel efficiency. Check your car's manual for more information.

If the prices at the local gas station have you seeing red, take a look around your car for any spots that might be costing you money at the fuel pump. Keep your tires well inflated, change your oil and air filter on a regular basis, and stick to the engine oil suggested by your manufacturer for best results. (For more information, contact Palmer Tire & Auto LLC)