How to Raise My Gas Mileage

Learning factors that lower your gas mileage can help you take action and save money.

Learning how everyday driving habits and physical vehicle factors can lower your gas mileage can help you make changes to increase your gas mileage in the future. Gas costs can be a large expense and in times when watching your spending is important, fewer trips to the gas station can be a relief. Some factors that lower your gas mileage are easy to avoid or prevent by practicing regular vehicle maintenance.

Instructions

1. Drive conservatively. According to Fuel Economy, rapid accelerations and decelerations as well as driving at speeds over 60 mph can lower your gas mileage up to 33 percent.

2. Remove extra weight from your vehicle. Additional weight burns more gas as it causes the engine to work harder, especially in smaller vehicles.

3. Fill up with level of octane gas that your vehicle's engine requires. According to Exstrom Laboratories LLC, using octane gas that is lower than your engine requires causes engine knocking, which lowers your mpg.

4. Keep your oil level filled. A low oil level causes engine friction and strain, which each lower your gas mileage.

5. Inflate tires properly. Low tire pressure causes drag and resistance between your tires and the road.

6. Remove bike racks or other accessories from your vehicle. Accessories that extend off of your vehicle affect your vehicle's aerodynamics.

References

• Fuel Economy: Gas Mileage Tips -- Driving More Efficiently
• Exstrom Laboratories: How to Increase Your Gas Mileage