As the price of gas continues to remain high, getting every mile you can from that expensive gallon of gasoline only becomes more important. By doing a few simple things, you can significantly improve your gas mileage. Try these tips today, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save.
Drive at or near the speed limit
Gas mileage decreases rapidly beyond 60 miles per hour. Avoid driving so slowly that you're unsafe on the highway, but gas mileage is best at 50-60 mph. Stick to the speed limit and you will stay safe and save at the same time.
Drive conservatively
Driving aggressively with excessive braking and accelerating can reduce gas mileage by 30% on the highway. Take it easy on that gas pedal and you will save more money.
Get the lead out
Your mileage will decrease by an average of 2% for every 100 pounds of excess weight, so be sure to not carry more things in your car than you really need. Many people use their car as an extension of their home and store all sorts of things in it. You should have a spare tire, tool kit and non-perishable food, water and other practical items in the event that you break down. But otherwise, leave the 'kitchen sink' at home.
Use cruise control on the highway
Maintaining a constant speed on the highway is an excellent way to maximize your gas mileage by avoiding a lot of stoppig, starting and breaking. It will also help you follow the speed limit.
Inflate your tires to the proper pressure
Your mileage can suffer by over 3% by under-inflating tires. Check them regularly and add air or nitrogen when needed. Over-inflating can be unsafe; follow the instructions on the tire to get the most wear out of it, saving money over the life of the tire as well as gas.
Use the proper weight oil
Using 10w-30 instead of 5w-30 oil can also harm gas mileage, so be sure to use what is recommended for your engine in the owner's manual.
Plan trips carefully
Avoid rush hour whenever you can. Starting, stopping, and changing speeds wastes gas. Idling is equivalent to 0 MPG and can really boost your gas costs. For long trips, do you really need a roof rack? These can hurt gas mileage by over 5% at highway speeds, so if you don't need it every day, take it away.
Watch Yourself at the Gas Station
Check the rate before you ask to fill up. Many stations will give you the good rate per gallon only if you pay cash, and a higher rate per gallon if you use a credit card. Ask first, and then pay cash at stations that charge extra for credit cards.
Don't top off the gas tank. Too much gas will just slosh or seep out of your tank and all over the car. It will also damage the paint on that area of your car over time, so just set the pump and let it do its job to prevent gas being wasted.
These simple tips can help you save money on gas, and also keep your tires, engine and car body in great shape.
Evelyn Trimborn - Evelyn Trimborn is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to a number of blogs, including: healthful-goddess.com, ...
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