Get Better Gas Mileage with These Tips for Your Car

According a the Today Show report on increasing gas mileage, proper vehicle maintenance will give you better gas mileage and therefore, save you money on gasoline.

Seasonal maintenance by doing the following items will put less drag, wear and tear on your vehicle lending to lower gas consumption:
• Change your air filter, get oil changes and tune ups on schedule for better gas mileage.
• Change your tires to the correct tire for the season, having winter tires in the winter and summer tires in the summer. If you live in a temperate zone, use year-round tires.
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated
Do not add extra weight to your car. Keeping excess items in and on your car slow your car down and uses more gas.

Remember to:
• Take unneeded items out of the trunk
• When carrying items on the roof, use aerodynamic luggage carriers. Don't carry these items unnecessarily
Then there are common sense things that we never do. Remember to:
• Check for gasoline leaks from your vehicle
• Never top off your gas tank because it just spills on the road
• Roll up your windows on the highway to prevent drag
• Roll down your windows at slow speeds to avoid using air conditioning
• Avoid getting lost by using a GPS system
• Take routes with less stop signs and streetlights as excessive idling can diminish gas mileage. Turn the car off for long stops.
• Vehicle warm-ups do not need to exceed one minute.
• Look for discounts when buying gas at supermarkets, discount shopping clubs, and special days.

Other tips caught me by surprise, as I had never considered them: Did you know your gas could evaporate without you even using it. Therefore, you should:
• Fill up in the morning or evening as there is less gas evaporation in the cooler hours
• Buy a light colored car and/or park in the shade as gas in a cool car does not evaporate
• Keep your gas cap tight

These final tips had me scratching my head because I have to wonder how measurable the gas savings are. If you already use the tips mentioned above, these few changes might give you that extra mile.
• Use the lowest grade octane recommended for your car
• Start your car with the radio and air conditioning off
• Do not exceed the speed limit, as driving at a steady rate will use less gas. Studies show that driving at 55mph uses less gas than driving at 70mph.
• Weaving in and out of traffic also expends more gasoline, so stay in your lane.