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.
Related Articles
How to Change your Car’s Oil
By: Slav Vaskevich | 01/07/2007 | Automotive
There are many places you can go to get your oil changed. Most of the places are not too expensive, but they are often busy, and it is hard to get to the shop when you are busy working so if you are interested in changing your car’s oil there are things you should know.
Go Diesel!!!! Its Your Birthday!!!! You the Man!!!!!
By: Thomas Rosquin | 22/05/2008 | Cars
With Hybrids becoming all the "Rage" these days, Europe has been riding the red headed stepchild of the automobile world all the way to the bank!
Boomers Learn How to Grow at Their Second Saturn Return
By: Nancy R. Fenn | 09/09/2005 | Advice
You shared one soft drink with four friends, from one
bottle, and no one actually died from this. You'd leave home in
the morning and play all day, walk to school, as long.
Degreaser: One Powerful Solution
By: James Monahan | 01/12/2005 | Automotive
A degreaser is very effective in removing stubborn stains that has already penetrated within the fabric.
Top 10 Ways To Get Cheap Car Insurance Rates - Part 1
By: Jim Johnson | 24/03/2006 | Automotive
Car insurance is a very necessary, but also expensive part of owning and driving an automobile. There is no telling when you might find yourself in an auto accident, so you have to be prepared with reliable auto insurance coverage.
Routine Car Polishing Gives Your Car a Spruced-up, Fresh Look
By: David Maillie | 26/04/2006 | Automotive
How to make your car shine and give it the maximum protection possible.
Toyota Cars Ready To Roll In NASCAR's Nextel Cup 2007 Season
By: Cristi | 23/05/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Toyota cars and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) made an announcement to confirm Toyota's expansion into the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series. Of the various Toyota cars, the Camry model was the chosen automobile for participating in a field of competition.
How To Safely Buy A Used Car On Ebay
By: Gregg Hall | 29/06/2006 | Automotive
Every single day there are tens of thousands of cars for sale on eBay which makes the eBay motors division the most profitable department within eBay.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Tradein on a used car
By: TJL | 15-07-2008
Can I use a trade in when purchasing a used car & what information do I need besides vehicle's worth?
Auto Tradein on Used car
By: TJL | 15-07-2008
If I am unside down on my trade in can I purchase a used car from a dealership & what information do I need?
Mileage Reimbursement in Florida
By: Shenaniganz | 15-07-2008
I work for a payroll company in Florida. Our company currently pays .445 cents per mile for mileage reimbursement. I read that the federal mileage rate increased to .485 in 2007, again in the beginning of 2008 to .505 cents and up to .585 cents effective 7/1/08. My company has not increased the pay rate for mileage from .445 cents. Is the state of Florida required to comply with Federal mileage rates?
14 yr.old girl killed in car accident
By: tazz65 | 15-07-2008
My son was told that his girlfriend was killed in an automobile accident . Sad to say, I do not know what county it occurred in. She was in Georgia at the time. This just recently happened within the past few days, between the 12-14th of July 2008. Her name is Huntar Courvelle,(not sure on the correct spelling of her last name). Anyones help is appreciated. She and her mother were involved in an accident. I do not know the mothers first name. Anyone help would be appreciated.
Does the auto car club "Drifters" from Newville PA ...
By: Kathy | 15-07-2008
Does the auto car club "Drifters" from Newville PA have a web site?
I need a private party automobile purchase contract.
By: Laura | 15-07-2008
I need a private party automobile purchase contract.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Automotive Articles
Picking the Best Auto School
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
If you have an ambition of making it big in the automotive industry, you have to plan yourself for success and hard work. However, if you have ambitions more than just been a lube mechanic or a tire mechanic, get education from a good automotive repair or automobile training school.
A...
Water As Fuel For Your Car
By: James Gold | 25/07/2008
Recently the internet has been raving with topics about converting car to run on water as fuel supplementing the gasoline consumption.
This is highly attributed to the fact of soaring oil prices and global environmental issues.
It is pressing for common individuals relying on car transportation to make a living and many...
Taking a Glance at Electronic Automotives
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
Everything around has become smarter with the invention of technology, especially electronic automobiles or automotives. With the invention of electronic and digital components, life in the office and home has become much easier than it could have been.
Life for auto users has become easier and comfortable due to the increase...
What is a Hypermiler?
By: Mick Legg | 24/07/2008
I came across what I thought was a new word the other day "Hypermiler." I had just come home and caught the end of some show or documentary on the TV and it kept referring to this strange word "Hypermiler." Now as I didn't know what it meant but the...
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
Getting a new car is always an exciting time - whether the car is bought outright or leased from the dealership. Many people believe that their car, much like their home, is an extension of the person they are or indicative of the person that they may become. A car...
How to Find Good Motorcycle Boots
By: Frank Medley | 24/07/2008
Your motorcycle boots need to be able to do a variety of things. You want them to be comfortable, but also sturdy and protective. They must also have great traction and not wear out quickly. The reality is that a motorcycle boot must also be able to protect you properly...
How Gas Discount Cards Save You Money on Gas
By: Tom Tessin | 23/07/2008
At present, people have started complaining on the skyrocketing gas price and are finding difficult to pay for it.
The introduction of gas discount cards acted as a boon for auto users, as they have made them to purchase auto fuel at an affordable price. Certainly, this is also a good...
How Much HHO Or Hydroxy Does The Electrolyzer Produce?
By: Mike Hickmon | 23/07/2008
How to save gas is the biggest topic today. And gas saving devices are seemingly in every corner of the world. Devices that convert water into fuel incorporate several techniques that help to improve fuel economy. The first and foremost is the Electrolyzer. How does it work, and just how...
Automotive 
