Four dollars, fifty cents. Is that a lot of money? Well, that depends, a lot of money for what? A stick of chewing gum, yeah. A car? Jump at the chance. The average price of gasoline in our town now is exactly that: $4.50. Throughout the country, folks complained that prices had never been so high, and they could hardly afford to drive to work anymore. But was it really that bad? In comparison to the rest of the world, the US seems to have gotten off easy.

Belgium? $8.73/gallon, Netherlands? $8.27/gallon, just about 2.5 times what you paid at the gas station down the street yesterday. UK? $6.96/gallon, almost twice than the US. Germany pays an average of $9.70 a gallon. France averaged at $7.02 a gallon. Gas Prices Around the World

In spite of this information, $4.50 is still higher than we're used to. There are a few ways you can trick your car into needing less gas and get the highest possible gas mileage out of it. Here are some ideas to save money on gas.

First, keep your car in good running order. Tune the engine when it needs tuning. Change the oil after 3,000 miles or when the light goes on, whichever comes first. Follow the owner's manual. This will give your vehicle the highest fuel economy and best efficiency.

Keep your tires at their appropriate inflation (again, check the owner's manual). This betters fuel efficiency by proving less resistance against the road.

If you have to run to the grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk, go to the dry cleaners and get your clothes too. Running more errands in one trip can save on the total amount of miles driven and save the gas.

There are so many minor ways to preserve gas that in the long run, $4.50 doesn't seem so bad anymore. If this isn't convincing for you, go look at what the UK pays each time they fill up their car. Still not convinced? Well then forget the car. Take a walk.

Questions? Please feel free to give me a call here at Menlo Chevron, 858/279-1010. Our ASE-certified technicians are at your service Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Smog Testing 5 days a week!

Visit our web site for more money savings specials to get your car in shape and save cash. Make your appointment online now OR call 858-279-1010.

Scott Holmberg

Owner, Holmberg Automotive