Better Gas Mileage in 5 Steps

Better gas mileage is attainable with just a few simple steps. This is important to people these days, with gas prices rising. Here are five tips to help you get better gas mileage.

Maintain Your Car
Car maintenance is one of the top things you can do to get better gas mileage. A car with a smoothly running engine and fully inflated tires will get better gas mileage than an older, groggy engine and flat tires. Tires that aren't fully inflated provide resistance against the road, using more gas.

Lay Off the Air Conditioner

It's well-known that the air conditioner uses a lot of gas, but some people crank it anyways. If getting better gas mileage is important to you, try to avoid using the air conditioner. If you can't, at least park in the shade so that it takes less work for your car engine to run.

Keep Your Engine Warm
When your engine is warm rather than cold, it takes less gas to run. Try to group any errands or other trips you're going to take in the car will help you to keep your engine warm.

Maintain Your Speed
When you drive your car at one steady speed, you use less gas than when you accelerate and slow down quickly. Try to maintain a speed of 55 m.p.h. rather than speeding. You should also try to avoid stop and go traffic. Don't tail people on the highway and use your cruise control to keep your pace even.

Keep Your Load Light
Don't pack your car full of sporting equipment or other cargo. The heavier your car is, the more gas it takes. Try to keep your car as empty as possible (unless of course you're carpooling, which is by far more effective in getting the most for your gas money).