5 Ways to Improve Mileage

My career as an automotive improvement expert began when I modified my first car. Since then, as a car enthusiast and published author, my obsession with the automobile has led me to enhance tons of vehicles both inside and out. That’s why I’m thrilled to be a part of a brand new series designed to help keep your car looking great and your engine running like new! I’m Chris Duke, and welcome to eHow’s Auto Center brought to you by Mobil1! . Hey Chris, We’re getting ready to take a family road trip. Do you have any suggestions that will help us increase our gas mileage? Thanks! -John Thanks for the great question John. You can’t put a price on quality time with your family, but you can put a price on how much money you’re spending at the pump. Here are some things you can do to help improve that MPG rating so you have more cash for those souvenirs! Number one: This one is easy – drive the speed limit. Not only will it help keep you safe on the road, but it will improve your gas mileage. While every vehicle will reach its optimal fuel economy at different speeds gas mileage typically decreases as speed increases, especially at higher speeds. Number two: Reduce excess weight. 100lbs of extra weight in your vehicle can reduce your gas mileage by up to 2%. This is especially true for smaller vehicles. Number three: Think about your aerodynamics. Open windows in a vehicle creates additional drag which forces the engine to work harder. When driving on the highway, or at constant speed of 45mph or more, use the air conditioning. The rolled up windows will lessen the drag on the car. At speeds less than 45, open the windows and turn off the ac. At these speeds the drag on the vehicle decreases, and the air conditioning becomes less efficient. Number Four: Use the cruise. Cruise control allows you to maintain a constant speed, and this will improve your gas mileage. Every time you hit accelerator you’re using gas. When you’re using gas you’re spending money. Cruise control gives you a constant speed and helps avoid accelerations that put more gas into your engine. Number Five: Finally, make sure that your oil and other fluids are in great shape and at proper levels. Stressed or even sludgy motor oil means your engine and its internal components aren’t getting the lubrication they need. That means your engine is working harder than it has to. Making sure your oil and transmission fluids are in great shape and at their proper levels keeps everything running smoothly and reduces the load your engine and transmission endure while running. All the information as far as scheduled maintenance, fluid levels and tire pressure ratings can be found in your owner’s manual so don’t forget to check it often. Also, when in doubt ask your mechanic, they are a great source of information! Well, I hope that we’ve helped you get ready for that trip and hopefully saved you a few bucks along the way! Thanks for the question John! Have a safe trip! For eHow’s Auto Center, I’m Chris Duke. Here’s to helping keep your car running like new!