subject: Making Your Car More Fuel-efficient [print this page] With gas prices continually on the rise, one of the best ways to save money is to make your driving as fuel-efficient as possible. By using conscientious driving techniques, taking care of your car, and planning in advance you can stretch your dollar on the road and at the pump.
One of the most obvious ways you can make the gas go farther is by practicing smooth driving. Don't step on the accelerator or slam on the brakes (unless it's an emergency, of course). Even speeding will lower your gas mileage, especially when you pass sixty miles per hour. Driving, accelerating, and braking too quickly cost you five percent at lower speeds and thirty-three percent at higher (highway) speeds. Using cruise control when appropriate can help eliminate erratic driving. Your goal should be to maintain a constant speed as much as possible. On that note, don't idle. When you idle, you're getting absolutely zero miles per gallon.
Regular car maintenance is another way to dramatically improve your gas mileage. For example, replacing a dirty air filter improves gas mileage by up to ten percent; plus, it protects the engine. Keep your engine in good condition, and fix any problems as soon as they arise. Regularly check the air pressure in the tires--you don't want them to be under- or over-inflated. Having tires at the right pressure can improve gas mileage by more than three percent. When you fill up, use a high-quality gasoline. Carbon deposits from cheap gasoline can build up on the engine, debilitating your car's performance and fuel efficiency. TOP TIER detergent gasoline as well as some fuel additives can prevent such deposits from accumulating. Also use the grade of motor oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Energy conserving motor oil will contain helpful friction-reducing additives.
Finally, be smart about how you use your car and money. Plan errands to fit into one outing so you don't have to make lots of little trips throughout the week. When you get gas, pay with some kind of rewards card so you get something back from your purchase, whether it's gas rebates or points toward something else. One last thing to think about: remove superfluous objects from the trunk and back seat, especially if they're heavy. The heavier your car is, the worse the mileage.
None of these tips will drastically inconvenience the way you live, and they can substantially improve the gas mileage you get from your car.
