Wednesday, May 8, 2013

How to Get Better Mileage


Gas is expensive. Yes, there are ups and downs, but the only real way to save money with gas is to use it efficiently. Not all of us can afford a brand new super fuel efficient hybrid, so we will have to make do!

Here are some tips to get you started:
Drive more efficiently: Avoid rapid acceleration and deceleration. Your car is going to burn more fuel when accelerating so be as gentle as possible. Each car with reach its maximum fuel economy at a different speed or range or speeds. However, mileage can decrease rapidly at speeds greater than 55 mph. Remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight. Avoid idling your car. If you are parked, turn off your engine.

Keep your car in shape: Follow the maintenance guidelines for your car. Keep your tires properly inflated. They are safer and last longer that way!

Plan and combining trips: Combine your errands. Commute and carpool. When traveling, avoid heavy unnecessary items and avoid roof racks which can create drag and decrease fuel economy.

Don't top off your tank and make sure your gas cap is tight.

Choose a more efficient vehicle. While most of us can't just run out and buy a new car, we can keep these things in mind when we go to purchase our next vehicle. Choosing a car that is more fuel efficient can save you hundreds of dollars a year. There are many affordable options for fuel efficient cars!