Even with cars getting higher miles per gallon, the cost of maintaining a full tank of gasoline can still be a major expense if you're a commuter. Here are some ways that you can get the most out of each tank of gas to save on gasoline expenses. 

Learn the Art of Acceleration

A lot of gasoline is spent and saved when you accelerate your car. If you are the type to quickly accelerate when you see an open space in traffic or when the light turns green, it may be time to reconsider how much time you're actually saving in comparison to the gas lost by accelerating quickly. Some drivers are lucky enough to have gauges that show the amount of gas being used with each acceleration, but, for other drivers, it's often a matter of taking steps to accelerate more gradually. 

Shed Some Extra Pounds in the Car

You can also save on some gas mileage by removing added weight from your car. Storing items in your trunk can add a lot to the weight of your car, and more gas will be needed to power the vehicle forward. Of course, you'll still want to make room to carry certain items, such as your spare tire and roadside emergency kit.

Keep Tires in Good Condition

Keeping your tires in good condition can help your car be more efficient and lose less momentum. A regular tire checkup at your auto service center helps, but there are also things that you can do to be more aware of your car's tire health. For instance, learn how to check the condition of your tire treads, how to assess your air pressure, and how to look for small nicks and holes in the tires that could cause them to deflate. 

Keep the Engine Happy

The condition of your engine can directly affect the number of miles you can drive on a single tank. When there are maintenance issues with the engine, it may perform inefficiently and burn more fuel trying to do basic tasks. There are a few key engine maintenance issues to look out for, such as clean and ample oil and clean filters and engine fluids. To help offset the costs of servicing your vehicle regularly, make sure you have auto maintenance coverage through your insurance provider. For information about this type of coverage, talk to an insurer like NWVA.