These days, it seems like the oil companies are just out to rob us. Gas prices have inflated to beyond ridiculous, along with everything else, while our economy grinds to a slow, painful stop. Most people are just busy trying to figure out how to stay afloat, and want to learn how they can improve gas mileage to save money.
There are several ways to help improve gas mileage, many of them are effective, and others don’t make much of a difference. It can be difficult trying to wade through them all, so I have researched and compiled the most common techniques people are using to improve gas mileage in their cars, so I could pass them on to you.
First of all, changing your oil, and getting regular tuneups. Everyone knows that if your car is tuned up properly and running at it’s optimal level, then the energy expended will be less than if your car was bogged down with mechanical problems. Simple things like changing the air filter, bad hoses, and regular oil changes using the properly weight oil with friction reducers can all make a difference and improve gas mileage.
Another method that works very well, is getting rid of any unnecessary weight your car may be carrying, and getting rid of extras like luggage racks that can create resistance, and decrease your MPG. Keeping your tires at maximum inflation can also help to decrease resistance, although it is said that the MPG gain is fairly small. Still, every little bit can help!
You can improve gas mileage by learning to curb your wild side, and drive at sedate speeds. Keeping your car at a steady 55 mph on the highway can up your gas mileage by as much as 25%. That means no drag racing when the “man” isn’t looking! You can also gain a whopping 14% in MPG just by using your cruise control.
Also, resist the impulse to drive like a maniac, like constantly slamming on your brakes or quickly accelerating. All that does is burn up valuable fuel and waste your dollars. The same goes for excessive idling. If you have a long wait at a drive through, or at the bank, shut your car down. Cutting back on unnecessary idling has been shown to improve gas mileage by as much as 19%. That is a pretty darn big savings if you think about it, just for remembering to do something simple like shut your car down instead of idling.
There are many more simple methods to improve gas mileage, but not enough space to list all of them! Just using even one of these tips can help you save some cash.
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