It has been written, many times in fact, that a well-maintained car will return better gas mileage than a car that has been neglected. In the event that you have not been exposed to these tips in the past, we've put together a list of suggestions to reduce the increasingly strong "pain at the pumps" syndrome.

Your engine
Fuel consumption is largely influenced by the condition of the lump located under the bonnet of your car. Think of it this way: All that fuel that you endlessly dump in the gas tank every week flows through the engine and the better shape it's in, the more you'll get out of a $75 fill-up.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

Emission components play a huge role in how much fuel is being injected in the combustion chambers as you drive. For example, a faulty oxygen sensor can wreak havoc on your bottom line. The second the engine check light goes on, make that appointment. Check this out: It's been said that a busted O2 can increase your average by, wait for it, 40%!!

While at the garage, a tune-up and inspection should be done. Changing the oil and making sure that the proper grade is used can also influence gas mileage. If you'd like more information on engine oil and the different types available, we've got you covered. Click here.

Check your air filter for dirt or clogging is a popular tip for improving fuel economy numbers. Recently, a study revealed it does little more than potentially improve acceleration times. If this is more important to you, then fuel economy is secondary. One way or another, don't be fooled by this suggestion.

Your tires
I'm sure you tire, as I do, about hearing how tire pressure plays an important role on range. The fact of the matter is that is has been repeatedly proven that properly inflated rubber can improve gas mileage by as much as 3.3%.

Look at it this way, at $1.50 a litre, that works out to 5 cents a litre. Every 30 litres, you get a free one. Multiply that by your tank's volume and the number of fills you do in a month and if this does not convince you, we'll talk again when $2.00 will be posted on street signs.