When you are trying to save money, one of the easiest ways is to improve your gas mileage. Even a few more miles per gallon saves money at the pump. Here are some tips to help you get better gas mileage.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated
By keeping your tires at the correct inflation pressure, your gas mileage can improve by about 3.3 percent. If your tires are under-inflated tires, this lowers your mileage 0.3 percent for every 1 psi decrease in air pressure. Also, your tires will last longer and perform more safely. You can usually find the recommended tire pressure for your car on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or glove box, or you can check your owner’s manual.
Use the correct grade of motor oil
Using the manufacturer’s recommended motor oil grade can improve your mileage by 1 to 2 percent. You should also use motor oil labeled “Energy Conserving”; this oil contains additives that reduce friction, which increases your mileage.
Keep your car’s engine tuned
If your car is badly out of tune or fails an emissions test, fixing these problems can improve your mileage by about 4 percent; results will based depending on how serious the problem was. For example, fixing a faulty oxygen sensor could improve your gas mileage by up to 40 percent.
Obey the speed limit
Gas mileage decreases quickly when you drive faster than 60 mph; for each 5 miles per hour over 60, it can cost you up to $0.24 per gallon.
Drive sensibly
Rather than speeding up to a red light then slamming on your brakes, pay attention to upcoming conditions. If you are approaching a stop sign, coast for the last few feet. The same applies to red lights, traffic slow-downs, or speed limit changes. When are you are pulling away from a stop, ease into the acceleration. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower your mileage by 5 percent in the city, and up to 33 percent on the highway.
Reduce or remove excess weight
If you are carrying anything unnecessary in your car, especially heavy items, clean out your car. An extra 100 pounds in cargo can could reduce your gas mileage by 2 percent. This varies depending on your vehicle’s weight; smaller cars are affected more than larger ones.
Use cruise control and overdrive gears
On the highway, your car’s cruise control will help you maintain a constant speed and smoothly accelerate uphill. In most cases, this can save you gas. If you use the overdrive gears, your engine speed decreases, which both saves you gas and helps reduce engine wear.
Planning trips for efficiency
When you are planning your errands for the week, consider which can be combined. If you can choose a dry cleaner near your bank, for example, you can combine these into one trip, rather than making separate trips in opposite directions. Planning your grocery lists can save you from making extra trips for that one forgotten item.
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