Five Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

Gas prices have come down a bit in the last months, but if the last two years have proven anything, it's that prices are unlikely to stay in one place. But short of running out and buying a hybrid to save money on gas, what are your options? How can you improve your gas mileage without buying a new car? Here are 5 tips for keeping your gas tank topped off.

Plan Your Trips

It may seem obvious, but planning your morning or evening commute could drastically change your gas mileage. And, with the free internet applications that are now available, it's easier than ever to identify alternative routes. Spend some time reviewing your options, and a couple weeks testing them out. Pick the one that requires the least stopping and starting and stick with it.

Drive Conservatively

Faster, more frequent acceleration will drastically reduce your car's gas mileage. In order to increase your mileage, be sure to keep your distance from the cars around you. If you have to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident, you'll probably slam on the gas as well. When you're turning onto a road, don't try to squeeze into a tight spot. Instead, make sure the coast is clear and accelerate slowly, carefully, and economically.

Maintain Your Vehicle

By following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, you'll keep your air, oil, and fuel filters clean, ensuring that your engine runs at peak efficiency. Replacing a clogged air filter, for example, can increase fuel efficiency by up to 10%! Also, if you lose your gas cap, replace it. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the roads have loose, damaged, or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Loose gas caps can result in a 2.0 mpg reduction in fuel efficiency.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Properly inflated tires can actually affect your gas mileage by as much as 3.3%. Checking your air pressure weekly will ensure that your tires are always properly filled, and that you are getting maximum gas mileage.

Empty Your Trunk

It sounds silly, but it is true. Extra weight in your car requires your engine to work harder, and lightening your load can pay off in savings at the pump. Experts say that every 50 lbs of weight results in a 1% reduction of fuel economy.