How to Improve Gas Mileage to Save Money

In this day and age, the rising gas prices have drivers scrambling for any way to save money and lessen the blow to their finances. Did you know there are plenty of ways to improve your gas mileage by simply driving better and keeping your car in the best condition possible? By stretching the miles your gas allows you to travel, you will soon see a difference in your monthly expenses in gas. Below you will find a collection of tips to enhance your driving and car performance:

1) To gain more miles for your money, you should consider improving the way you approach traveling on the road. This especially comes in handy when you are looking forward to long or frequent trips. Planning a trip in advance helps to avoid the stop-and-go traffic of a congested road, which damages gas mileage. Checking traffic reports helps drivers select the best routes.

2) Save gas by lowering your use of the air conditioner. A trick to staying cooler in the car is to park your vehicle in the shade. Once you get into the car, opening the windows for a couple of minutes allows any trapped hot air to escape. If you travel at a higher speed or on the highway, it is suggested to close your windows.

3) Properly inflated tires help to save money and also avoid uneven and premature wear-and-tear. To determine the appropriate tire pressure, you should consult the owner's manual or scan tire sidewalls. Wheel alignment is also important, as improper aligning causes early tire wear. It is recommended to check the alignment about every 10,000 miles. The balancing of tires also helps to avoid a vibrating steering wheel and unnecessary car shaking. Rotating tires also extends the life of tires.

4) Filling your car and trunk with unnecessary items makes the vehicle heavier, meaning you will burn more gas.

5) When stuck in non-moving traffic, it is suggested to turn your car off rather than let it run idle.

6) At stoplights, avoid the temptation to rev up your engine - instead - slowly accelerate as you leave an intersection.

7) Refer to the manufacturer to determine the proper grade of gas to use.

8) Consider alternate forms of transportation, such as joining a car pool.

9) Using cruise control or maintaining constant speeds helps save gas.

10) Drivers should make it a habit to avoid sudden or unnecessary braking, which wastes gas.

Fuel economy decreases by as much as 10% when drivers have misaligned wheels, worn wheel bearings and brakes that drag. Dirty filters, damaged spark plugs, missed oil changes and emission-control system concerns also reduces fuel economy. Overall, following basic maintenance care for your car helps to lessen the amount of gas you need to use while driving. Routine maintenance intervals are often suggested for every 3,000, 15,000, 30,000, 45,000 and 60,000 miles on a car.