As you are well aware, gasoline prices have been rising. According to The American Automotive Association’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report dated September 17, 2011, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline was $3.60. And how high will it go? Some experts predict as high as $5.00 a gallon. One expert, Tom Kloza, chief analyst of the Oil Price Information Service, disagrees. Kloza believes that $3.75 is more like it. Even so, at these prices you’re likely to see more advertising for “gas-saving” devices. Sure, everyone wants to improve their gas mileage, but do these “gas-saving” products really hold up to their claims?

In the case of gas-saving devices, the adage of “buyer beware” rings true. Be suspicious of any outrageous claims made by companies or individuals hawking gas-saving devices or fuel additives. And while it’s true that some of these products have been found to work, the effect on gasoline savings has been minimal. In fact, the EPA has tested over one hundred of these products that claim significant gas-savings, yet none have been found to live up to their claims. In fact, some of these products have been found to damage your engine. Last I heard, an engine overhaul isn’t a very effective gas-saving method. Best advice? Be skeptical of any boastful claims made by anyone promoting a gas-saving device or additive.

Rather than put your faith and hard-earned cash into products boasting exaggerated claims, try these simple tips for saving money at the gas pump.

Buy only the octane level gas you need: The cost of premium unleaded can be as much as 20 cents higher per gallon than regular unleaded. Avoid filling with premium unless the manufacturer’s recommendations call for it. And according to Edmunds.com, in some cases where a manufacturer recommends premium, you may be able to get by with regular unleaded. Visit Edmunds.com for more information.

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use: Nothing new here, gas mileage decreases at speeds above 55 mph. Reducing your speed from 65 to 55 can increase your gas mileage as much as 15%. Less fuel used means more money in your pocket.

Use overdrive gears during highway driving: Using overdrive gears causes you engine speed to slow down, using less fuel and increasing engine life.

Use cruise control on highway trips: Using the cruise control helps to maintain a constant speed which leads to fuel cost savings.

Avoid unnecessary hard braking and rapid acceleration: In other words, drive sensibly. Sudden stops and starts and other forms of aggressive driving behavior decreases fuel mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds and as much as 10% in city driving. Read the rest of this entry »