- Using only the recommended grade of oil in your vehicles can improve your gas mileage by up to 2 percent. Check your owner's manual to see what grade of oil is right for your car (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30). You should also try to purchase oil that contains friction-reducing. These motor oils will bear the words "Energy Conserving" on the API performance label. Using the right motor oil is a low-budget way to save money on gas.
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Properly maintaining the tires on your vehicle is another great way to improve your fuel efficiency. Keeping tires inflated to recommended levels is a low-cost way to save money on gas. You can keep your tires properly inflated by regularly checking tire pressure and adding air as needed. Many gas stations and garages may let you add air to your tires for free if you ask. Others offer automated air pumps that provide air for just a few quarters.
Purchasing low rolling resistance tires can also improve a vehicle's gas mileage. Consumer Reports provides rolling resistance scores for tires. The California Energy Commission is also working to develop a rating system for tire energy efficiency. - Providing your vehicle with regular maintenance and repairs can also improve your fuel efficiency. Fixing a vehicle that has failed an emissions test is thought to improve fuel efficiency in many cases. These types of repairs can increase a vehicle's mileage by up to 4 percent, according to FuelEconomy.gov, a website maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Repairing a vehicle that is in particularly poor condition can lead to a significant increase in fuel efficiency. Fixing a serious problem can improve a vehicle's fuel mileage by up to 40 percent.
