Shaving pennies off dollars at the pump

The media have been giving us tips on how to save money at the gas pump. We will probably be looking at $5 a gallon by the end of the year.

Here are the tips from the experts working for the oil companies on how to save money on fuel for your auto.

1: Drive sensibly, no slamming on the brakes and no jackrabbit starts.

2: Do not speed. The experts say for every 5 mph over 60 mph costs $.20 cents per gallon. Don't know that for sure. These are oil company statistics.

3: Do not idle. The experts say excessive idling uses gas. Really?

4: Use overdrive. If you have overdrive and know what it is, use it.

5: Keep your tires properly inflated.

6: Plan and combine trips. If you're going on vacation, ask the neighbors if they would like to go along.

If you follow these tips religiously, you are guaranteed to save at least a buck or a buck and a half a month on fuel costs.

We thank you, the government thanks you, the oil companies thank you and good luck finding a decent bike to ride in the decades to come.

Timothy D. O'Reilly

Chicago