Tip 21: Use Less Expensive Gas

Unless your car is knocking and pinging, don't use a higher octane gas than your owner's manual recommends. For most cars, premium gasoline offers no benefit. Unless your car has a high-performance engine and your manufacturer recommends a high-octane gas, use the less expensive gas. Premium gas costs 10% to 15% higher than regular. 

Potential Money Savings: $200-400/yr.

Tip 17: Balance Your Tires

Add thousands of miles to the life of your tires by having them balanced once a year. In addition to destroying the tread, improperly balanced tires can wear out your shock absorbers and damage your suspension system, leading to more expense.

Potential Money Savings: $175-250/yr.

Tip 13: Check Fluid Levels Regularly

Check fluid levels regularly. Check coolant, automatic transmission fluid, brake and clutch fluids.

Potential Money Savings: $50-300/yr.

Tip 10: Check Your Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure regularly. You can lose up to 6% in gasoline mileage for every pound of under-inflation. 

Potential Money Savings: $140-400/yr.

Tip 8: Cleaning the Air Filter

Check your car's air filter monthly. A dirty filter shortens the engine's life and reduces gasoline mileage up to 10%. You can clean the filter by removing it and blowing it with an air hose, or you can replace it. 

Potential Money Savings:  $130/yr or more.

Tip 5: Don't Let it Idle

Don't warm your car up by letting it idle. The engine warms up faster when driving than it does when idling, and idling wastes about a quart of gas every 15 minutes.

Potential Money Savings: $90/yr.