No one in Ocala, Florida likes to spend a chunk of change at Gainesville gas pumps. Rising Florida fuel prices, however, have spurred Ocala car owners to focus on how to improve their gas mileage. North Americans literally drive billions of miles less each month during times of high fuel prices. But we still need to drive (we are car-loving Americans, after all!), so it makes sense to try and increase our fuel economy however we can.

Let's look at a real life example of one of our AutoNetTV producers. He has one of those really big SUVs. Lots of kids and horses to haul around, you know. His family was planning a four day camping trip. Here's what he did to cut his fuel costs:

First, he installed a new, high flow engine air filter. Then he had his Ocala service center change his oil, flush his cooling system and service his front and rear differentials along with the transfer case. He also had a fuel system cleaning, replaced his PCV valve and breather element. He also made sure his tires were up to the recommended pressure.

Now this cost several hundred dollars. But keep in mind, it all needed to be done anyway – it was all scheduled, and some of the work was overdue.

So he headed out, loaded with nine people and pulling a ton of trailer with everything needed for four days of camping. When the trip was over, he tallied his fuel efficiency.  Turns out, he got the best fuel economy on that vehicle up to that point. It had improved 25 percent! He saved $48.00 on that trip alone. And the savings keep on coming every day.

Here's a quick summary of what you can do to save fuel in Ocala, Florida. First get caught up on your essential routine maintenance. Nearly every scheduled service item can boost fuel economy. If it's time for a tune-up, git'er done at Tuffy Ocala. That's a big item.

If your check engine light is on, have your friendly Tuffy Ocala service specialist figure out why and fix it. Check engine problems can be real gas wasters.

Proper tire pressure and wheel alignment can really help Ocala auto owners as well. Try not to carry around a bunch of stuff. An extra hundred pounds can cost a mile per gallon.

Now you may not want to hear this, but the single biggest fuel waster for most Gainesville folks is their right foot. Zooming away from stop lights and hot rod lane changes really waste fuel. Take it easy on Florida interstates and Ocala streets: don't speed and plan ahead.

Finally, you may have noticed that we haven't mentioned any magic pills or devices that will double your mileage. That's because there aren't any. Some may help a bit, but there are a lot of "miracle fuel saver" scams in Florida. Don't shell out any money to swindlers, you need it to buy gas!

Do some research and check with your service specialist at Tuffy Ocala in Ocala before spending your hard earned cash.