Get Better MPG Out of Your Car, Truck, or SUV!

We as Americans are haunted by gas prices, every night the news plays out yet another story on how we're going broke by paying unseemly amounts for a couple gallons of gas. Gas we need on a daily basis to work, for emergency crews, travel, and everything else that makes the freedom of cars so sweet.

Don't take that as we're backing down, we're not. We want to live life on our terms, not the dollars, however, with the ever increasing prices, even the most penny care free among us are starting to look a little closer on just how we can save money at the pump!

Some doubters though still refuse to look at the little things, assuming checking this or that really won't make that much of a difference, but nickels add up to dollars, which means more gas, and more freedom.

Especially since we're nearing the Holiday season, and need to save money to spend in other areas, or just to get to those huge, fattening meals.

A simple solution is to check your tires pressure. What is it reading? Refer to your car's owner manual, it will list the recommended pressure. Mechanics say to add two pounds of pressure to that recommendation, that little trick will add another mile per gallon! Why is that? Low pressure in tires means that your tire will 'drag,' ultimately using more gas than if it was maintained properly.

Add something to your cars tank other than money and gas, an octane booster will make sure your car runs better, and will help reduce some gasoline associated problems. Check to be certain with a mechanic or auto shop to see which ones will work best for your particular car.

Keep your car tuned up and in good shape when possible! If it's not working right, that means it's working harder, which is probably going to be costing you more in gas and money in the long run than if you just had it checked out! ds4u

Keep your car's clutter to a minimum. That means take all that junk in your trunk you don't need in there (no that does not mean the spare tire, or other emergency supplies). Also considering removing bike racks and other similar items that would add weight unnecessarily to the car, eating up your gas mileage.

Drive the speed limit! Sounds simple enough, but many people over look one of the biggest abuses to gas mileage. Speeding uses more gas, which means, more money! Using cruise control will help you maintain speed, and save money as well. mpgplus

Don't be afraid to coast. You don't always need to be pressing the gas, when feasible, coast a little. Think of it like free gas!

Here's how you figure your cars actual gas mileage. Next time you fill up completely, write down how many gallons (not how much money) you put in, then before you leave the station, set your trip mile counter. Next time you hit the gas station for a fill, divide the number of gallons used into the miles you've put on since your last fill.

For example, if you put 10 gallons in to fill it up, and you traveled 250 miles, then you got 25 mpg.

A biggie though is to just know your car, and be aware of it. You can figure your gas mileage, and keep a note of it in the glove box of your car. If you're gas mileage is off from one tank to the next, it could alert you a bigger issue with your car, and more gas consuming concerns!