These days, gas prices are heading down and that's a relief. But I still want good gas mileage to save a few bucks. Besides buying a hybrid, there are some things you can do to reduce your gas bill. Keep your car in tune including tire pressure, unload your car, and drive smart. With these simple measures, you should be able to improve your gas mileage by about 4 - 8 miles per gallon. For the typical driver, this is about $14-a-tank savings.
Keeping your car in tune is perhaps the smartest way to improve gas mileage. Every major study has proven it. Keeping your car in tune means new filters, high quality oil, new plugs, and the right gas. Clean filters help improve the gas mileage performance. Some after-market air intake systems can further boost mileage and power, so ask your mechanic. Be sure to use highquality oil. Some studies have shown that synthetic oils can improve gas mileage by as much as 12%. You should also get a good set of plugs. Some manufactures recommend you only use their brand of plugs. Follow these instructions. Also use the right grade of gas. Don't think that a high-octane gas is always best. It's not. With some cars low-octane is actually better. Just make sure your car isn't "pinging" and you are using the octane recommended for your car. This will give you the best results.
Another thing you can do to improve gas-mileage is to reduce weight and drag. Unless it's for safety, the junk in your trunk can go. Keep your windows close as much as possible. Open windows can increase air-resistance and cause you to use more gas. Use A/C in the summer to keep your windows closed, but don't over do the A/C, since it can use gas. Also keep your tire-pressure right. This is especially true in the winter when tire pressure can run low. Right pressure makes your tires more efficient. It's also a safety concern While you're at it, be sure your tires are in good condition.
Lastly drive smart. For comparison of your driving, check with others who have similar make and model car about their gas mileage. If your mileage is less and you've already done the other things mentioned, then you need to change your habits. First, avoid driving on stop-and-go roads. If you do drive on stop-and-go roads, time yourself. Don't "race" to the red light as so many drivers do. If you have a lead foot on highways consider using cruise control. Also avoid trying to race up hills when your car is already doing extra work. Taking it easy might be dull. But it'll not only save gas; it will also improve safety.
Following the tips on keeping your car in tune, your car unloaded properly, and driving smartly will help you improve your gas mileage. For some people these changes can save you even more than $14 per tank. Over a year, this can mean $600 - $800 in your pocket. The extra change will make for some good Christmas presents.
-- That's All Folks!