How to Get Better Gas Mileage

With gas prices going through the roof here are some tips to help you make the most of every drop of gas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be a more efficient driver. Speeding with rapid acceleration and constant breaking. According to the government's fuel economy website, "As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas."

2. 
    
   Unpack your car

   Lighten your load. Carrying extra weight in your car will decrease your gas mileage...so tell your mother-in-law to walk..JUST KIDDING...don't do that. Remove items from the car that do not need in there. Studies have show for every extra 100 pounds of weight you have in your car it reduces the mileage by 2%.

3. 
    
   Keep Moving

   Keep moving. Idling gets you 0 mpg. So keep the car moving, or if you are standing still like waiting in line. Shut the car off.

4. 
    
   Cruise Control

   If you are fortunate enought to have a car with cruise control....then use it! Maintaining a constant speed helps save on gas. Cruise control is a great way to do this.

5. Use your overdrive gears. When you do this your car's engine speed decreases. This not only saves on gas but also on engine wear.

6. 
    
   Tune Up

   Keep your engine properly tuned.

7. 
    
   Air Filter

   Change your air filter. A clean air filter can increase your gas mileage by as much as 10%.

8. 
    
   Check the PSI

   Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended PSI located either in your driver's manual or on the inside panel of the driver's side door.

9. 
    
   Motor Oil

   Use the right motor oil. Using the manufacturer's recommend oil can increase gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

10. 
     
    Rush Hour Traffic

    Avoid rush hour traffic by leaving earlier. If your car is moving you are getting better mileage. Remember idling gets 0 mpg. If you are stuck in rush hour traffic chances are you aren't going very far. Leaving earlier for work will help you avoid that traffic.

11. 
     
    Remove Racks

    Remove roof racks, ski racks and anything else from on top of your car. They create drag and reduce the aerodynamics of your car and in turn decrease your gas rate.

Resources

• Federal Government Fuel Website

[mpodlesny]

on 6/13/2008 Amen to that!

[grouch]

on 6/12/2008 We all need this right about now. I think if I could get away without buying gas I could pay off my house 10 times as fast.