With gas prices topping off at nearly $5 a gallon, I know we are all feeling the crunch and may be second guessing that summer road trip we had planned. To help provide a little “relief,” I wanted to share with you a few ways to increase your gas mileage and save a little money at the pump.

• Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine.  You can improve your gas mileage by using the grade of motor oil in your owner’s manual and changing it according to the schedule recommended by your car manu- facturer, usually every 5,000 miles.

• Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10%

• Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

• Consider carpooling. Many cities make it easier by matching up commuters. In addition to helping the environment and saving on gas, you may also enjoy perks such as riding in the carpool lane on the highway and not having to pay bridge tolls.

• Bus it, bike it or hoof it. Why not leave your car at home and consider public transportation, a bike ride or a stroll across town?

• If you are shopping for a new car and your budget can afford it, consider purchasing a hybrid. You will save a ton of money on gas and be environ- mentally friendly. Can’t afford a hybrid? Consider a smaller car which is inherently more fuel-efficient and roomier than ever.

• Remove non-essential stuff from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy up to 2%.

• Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. It can increase gas mileage up to 3%.

• New tire and wheels may look nice and they can certainly improve handling, but if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they will create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.

• Follow your owner’s manual recommendations for the right octane level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gas is regular octane. Using a higher octane gas than recommended offers no benefit--and costs you at the pump.

• Steer clear of gas-saving gadgets. The EPA has tested supposed gas-saving devices and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits. In fact, some products may even damage your car’s engine or cause a substantial increase in exhaust emissions.

• Stay within the posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.

• Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.

• Avoid sudden jerky starts and stops. You can improve in-town gas mileage by up to 5% by driving “gently.”

• Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve fuel economy when you are driving on the highway.

• Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you will save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the air conditioning may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer season.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, there may be no time like the present to take action. Backed by low interest rates and stiff buyer demand, today’s market is shaping up to be one of the most exciting times for real estate in recent months. For additional information on current market conditions, contact me at 510.967.6603 or email me.