Increased Mileage

With today’s quickly and steadily increasing gas prices there are many ways individuals are trying to economize. Especially here in the Midwest, we are dependent on our cars for going to work, shopping, going to the doctor, getting the kids to school, etc. We don’ have public transportation available in the small towns so we have to be inventive in helping cut our expenses. One of the best ways to get more MPG (miles per gallon) is to practice good driving habits. These include gradually increasing and decreasing speeds instead of “gunning it” or “slamming on the brakes”. Choosing routes with fewer stop signs and lights. Being sure the tires are properly inflated. Keeping the vehicle tuned up, oil changed regularly and service done timely. While it is important to warm up the car in cold weather, don’t let it idle more than necessary. While it doesn’t help MPG, it does help conserve fuel to plan your errands to make fewer trips and have a route to not backtrack.

There seems to be no chance at all that gasoline prices will ever return to the levels prior to the current conflicts in the Middle East; therefore, we ought to keep in mind the ONLY thing that we can really control: our own gas mileage. These may not seem new to readers, but most are worth repeating and thinking about:

1. Buy a good used sub-compact car that gets great mileage and use it for the daily commutes to work and store, etc.

2. Car-pooling and sharing the cost of gas or charging per passenger, per ride, will reduce your own costs.

3. The tried and true mechanic’s advice: Tune-up and keep the tire pressures at optimum.

4. Driving habits we can recall from drivers ed: Reduce speed, accelerate gradually, slow down before traffic signals require you to brake.

5. Maximize each trip efficiency: Do more things each trip and plan your route in advance.

6. Don’t carry extra weight around in the car – ditch the spouse and kids!

There are a couple things that I do to get better gas mileage. Firstly, I drive the speed limit. A lead foot isn’t going to do your gas mileage any favors; obey the speed limit and you’ll save money on gas. I also try to make sure that I don’t have a lot of crap in my car that’s adding extra weight. The more unnecessary weight you have in your car, the more gas it’s going to take to transport it. One thing I’ve read is that having your air conditioning on cuts into your gas mileage. However, I read one article that studied the matter and found that while having your air conditioning on has very little effect on your gas mileage.

It has virtually no noticeable effect when driving on the highway, and while it’s a little more noticeable when it comes to city driving, it may not be worth the discomfort if it’s a particularly hot day. Another thing I try to do is avoid breaking abruptly. Breaking gradually is better for your mileage. Hopefully these tips will help you save some gas money!