How To Get Better Gas Mileage
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The table below shows your fuel cost savings over a five-year
period, assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon,
and that the average gas expense is $1,000 per year (of course,
many people pay a whole lot more.) Which of these tips can
save money for you?
Getting Better Gas Mileage
| | 1. Keep your tires inflated. |
Save up to $500.
Keep your tires inflated: every pound of under-inflation,
reduces mileage by 1% or more. This also keeps you safe
from tire blowouts. A label is present in every car (often
on the door's edge), stating the correct tire pressure. If
you're forgetful, tie a ribbon onto your fuel cap as a
reminder. Jiffy Lube gives free air refills and oil
top-offs to their customers.
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| 2. Maintain your car well. |
Save $100 to $1,000.
Change the oil and get tune-ups as recommended by the
manufacturer, replace worn tires, and replace dirty spark plugs
and air filters. This will improve mileage by at least a
few percent, and in some cases as much as 20%.
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| 3. Take it easy on the gas pedal. |
Save up to $500.
Accelerate slowly whenever possible. "Coast" to your stops
by taking your foot off the gas pedal well beforehand.
Take routes that have the fewest stops, so you won't often have
to go from zero to full speed. Stay far behind the car in
front of you, so if it slows down you won't have to hit the
brakes and accelerate again. These tips can improve
mileage up to 10%.
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| 4. Lighten your load. |
Save $50 per 30 pounds removed.
Each thirty pounds of excess weight you take out of your car
improves mileage by about 1%.
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Caution: Before buying "fuel-saving" devices or
additives, check government
tests (which have never found them to work very well).
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Isn't it amazing how even the weakest tip ("Lighten your load")
is so worthwhile? , imagine bringing twelve pounds
of stuff out of your car that doesn't need to be there: It
would take only two minutes, and it would be virtually the same as
picking up a twenty-dollar bill!
(Next Gem: Big Gas Savings)
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Life
