Better Gas Mileage

Home Home and Auto Automobiles Fuel Better Gas Mileage

What kind of gas mileage do you get with your vehicle? Did you know there are a few simple things that you can do to increase your mileage? Each one may only give you a little improvement but if you do all of them, you can increase your gas savings significantly - maybe by even as much as $500 a year.

So here they are!

1. Watch your speed. Traveling speed has a large affect on fuel consumption. Traveling at 65 mph (105kph) instead of 55 mph (88 kps) can use up to 17 percent more fuel.
   
   
2. Use cruise control whenever you can, especially on highways. By maintaining a steady speed, you will improve your gas mileage.
   
   
3. Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated. If they are under-inflated, it can shorten the life of your tires as well as reduce your mileage (up to 4 percent for every 5 pounds of under-inflation). Be careful not to over-inflate your tires, either; you will get premature and uneven tire wear and have to replace them much sooner.
   
   
4. Clean out your back seat and trunk by removing unnecessary items from the car. All the extra weight reduces your mileage.
   
   
5. Do you ever stop for more than 60 seconds while your engine is idling? If so, turn it off. It takes more fuel to idle longer than a minute than for you to start your car.
   
   
6. The next time you are in the market for tires, consider radial tires. They can cut your fuel bill by 2 or 3 percent.
   
   
7. Use your air conditioner as sparingly as possible, because your engine uses extra energy to power the air conditioner compressor. Fuel consumption can be increased by up to 10 percent on the highway and up to 15 percent in the city when you don't use your air conditioner.
   
   
8. Avoid driving with an open sunroof or open windows at highway speeds; this increases drag and uses additional fuel. It is best to use your air vents to provide fresh air inside the car.
   
   
9. Have you check your filters and catalytic converter recently? They should be kept clean. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent.
   
   
10. Use premium multi-grade oils to save on your fuel consumption and be sure to change your oil every 3,000 miles.
    
    

So, for the sake of the environment AND your pocket book, take a moment to assess your vehicle for optimum gas mileage.

Doris Dobkins is a money saving expert, author and speaker and has helped thousands of people find ways to save money and get out of debt.

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• Reduce the cost of your gasoline with a 'gas card'. You can compare them here.

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