Gas Saving 101 - How to Get the Best Gas Mileage

When it comes to conserving gas, or getting the best gas mileage, nothing beats trading in your current car for a more fuel-efficient model. Unfortunately, not everybody has enough money to afford such a costly undertaking. In fact, it's a little bit self-defeating - if I had enough money to buy a new car when I feel like it, the price of gas should be of no concern. So with that in mind, here's a look at some of the best ways to increase fuel mileage and save money.

Some people have resorted to various gas saving devices, but majority of these things don't work according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The few ones that do work provide barely noticeable that they won't justify their cost. The EPA actually has a point when they stated that it is smart to be skeptical about gas saving devices. After all, if those things actually work, wouldn't it have been easier if cars were made that incorporated these things?

Right now, the most cost-effective way you could save on gas is by being more responsible and following a few simple rules when it comes to your car. In the first place, try to maintain your car in tip-top shape. If you're worried about the cost of a regular tune up, think of the costs in repairs if your car breaks down at the most inopportune times. That alone should convince you to do regular tune ups, even if you don't need to save on gas. If you have the knack for it, study how to tune up your car. You can learn in a few months in one of the crash course schools.

Simple things will also help, like refueling in the morning or late at night, when the fuel is cool. Gas contracts and expands based on temperature, and a cool gas will have less density than heated ones. That means you will get more gas for your money. Just remember not to fill your gas tank to the brim or you're going to have some problems when that gas expands.

The way you drive will also have profound effects on your gas mileage. If you drive off immediately in a low and consistent speed after starting, the engine will ramp up faster and increase lubrication. This means your engine will need less gas during the startup process.

Do not let the motor idle for too long either. If you're in one of those lengthy traffic jams, it helps if you turn off the engine and the air condition for a while. It will take less fuel to restart an engine that in takes to keep it idling. Usually, you don't need to press the accelerator down in order to restart a warm engine...and since we're on the subject, don't depend on the air condition too much. If the climate is cool and you're cruising in a less polluted place, turn the AC off and roll the windows down a little so that the cool breeze will cool you instead.

If you follow all of these tips, you will find that you don't really need to spend a lot of money just to conserve on gas. The perfect setting is that you will save not only on gas, but also on cash.