Drivers in McHenry County have generally welcomed changes in the price of gasoline. Of course, that’s because the price has generally come down of late. The hope is that the trend in lower gasoline prices at the pump will continue.

The price of gasoline at the pump in McHenry County has moved away from the $4-per-gallon range and is now lower than $3, sometimes even lower than $2.50. This welcome news has drivers reconsidering habits of conservation brought on by recognition of the bite fuel charges can take out of their wallets.

With lower fuel charges, the necessity of conserving doesn't seem as drastic. Still, gasoline is not free and a continued reduction in demand can help to keep the price of gasoline down at the pump. So, it’s a good idea to continue a thrifty approach to the amount of gasoline you use in your car. You’ll still save money, you’ll help keep downward pressure on the price of crude oil and you’ll help to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Tips on conserving gasoline now are pretty much the same as they were when the price of a gallon of gas was $4. However, it’s not a bad idea to review them anyhow:

• Check the air pressure in your tires and maintain the pressure according to the specifications in the Owner’s Manual. A car uses more fuel on tires that have low air pressure.
• Avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops. It makes sense to keep the flow of traffic moving. Unless you drive a farm implement, there’s no need to crawl away from every stop sign and red light. However, there’s also no need to floor the gas pedal either. Steady pressure on the throttle will get you where you’re going in plenty of time and safely.
• Replace older filters in your vehicle. This includes the air filter, the oil filter, the fuel filter and, while you’re at it, the cabin filter. The latter won’t make much of a difference in your fuel consumption but it will help to keep you safe and comfortable while you get there.
• Change the oil at prescribed intervals. This is good for the engine and will help to ensure that it is operating at peak performance. Once again, you’ll find the specifications for changing the oil in your Owner’s Manual or you can ask a trusted auto repair technician. 
• Ensure that the car is properly aligned and the bearings are in good condition. Improper alignment and worn bearings can put a drag on the car while you drive. When they’re in proper operating condition, they help to roll the car down the road with the least possible resistance. 
• Have your engine tuned up if necessary. A tune up will also keep the engine running its best.