Increase Your Gas Mileage Without Buying a New Car!

Imagine this: you are filling up at your local gas station and you notice a fuel-efficient hybrid whiz right by you. Your head flashes back to the gas pump and you begin to imagine a million other ways you could be spending your money. It seems hopeless - your commute to work is not getting any shorter, gas prices are not getting any lower, and you could not possibly afford one of the latest hybrid models. Fortunately, we have come up with a variety of ways to help you improve gas mileage with the vehicle you already have.

Faster is not always better:
The most efficient speed for the average automobile is 60 miles per hour and the aerodynamic drag on your car doubles when you accelerate from 50 to 70 mph. This means that for every 5 mph over 60 mph, you are actually paying about $.20 more per gallon. This may not sound like a lot, but here's how it translates in real dollars: by driving 60 instead of 70 as a rule, you have money left over for a "free" latte and pastry with your savings (about $6), every time you fill up.

http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml

Another good way to save on your gas mileage is to utilize your car's overdrive feature - this will burn less fuel when you accelerate. Revving your engine, accelerating quickly, and driving above the speed limit are not only dangerous, they dramatically lower your gas mileage. When your car accommodates for you slowing down and speeding up, it is forced to expend a greater deal of energy and burn more fuel.

Quick fixes:

1. Eliminate excess weight - clean out your trunk and back seat. Carrying extra weight in your car can greatly reduce your fuel efficiency.
2. Regularly check your tire pressure. A higher PSI - within your tire's safe range - will give you better gas mileage on your everyday commute.
3. Stop pumping gas when the pump clicks. It is unnecessary to get that extra ounce, your fuel expands and overflows, and doing this only wastes your hard-earned money.

It is important to take the time to be an educated car owner and to understand what you can do to save your car and your money. One of the most overlooked car maintenance procedures is oil changes, but changing your oil every 3,000 miles will dramatically improve your gas mileage. Some other things that will save you money are: cleaning your air filters, maintaining your oxygen sensors, and making sure your spark plugs are operating properly. These are all minor maintenance procedures that you or your neighborhood auto technician could do to prolong the life of your vehicle and to ensure that you have extra money in your pocket.

To learn more money-saving strategies, please visit http://fueleconomy.gov. You cannot control the spiking gas prices, but you can take control of your fuel efficiency.