How to Guide for Saving Gas While Driving Your Car

Are gas prices driving you crazy, I know they have kept me at home more? I'm getting tired of having to cut out nights out and trying to spare gas. So I went on a hunt to find ways to save on gas and I would like to share what I have found.

Here are some great tips I came across if you drive a hybrid.

Brake gently- Lightly pressing the brake pedal allows you to recover energy and recharge the battery. Heavy breaking uses the mechanical brakes, converting the precious energy into heat.

Learn to glide- Once you've reached cruising speed, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car travel on its own. When the speed drops to low accelerate back up to speed then glide again.

Use cruise control- Cruise control will make the most efficient use of the gasoline and electric components of the car. Be sure to use it whenever you're in free flowing traffic.

Maximize momentum- Anticipate the terrain and traffic and use them to your advantage. For example, slow down before you reach the crest of a hill, then let gravity give you back the speed for free.

For regular cars I have found these tips.

Drive smoothly- Speeding, rapid acceleration, and breaking can cause you to have lower gas mileage by 5% around town and 33% on the highway.

Use higher gears- The higher the gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without stressing the engine.

Tune and service your engine- Keep your engine well tuned and repair any problems immediately. If your car has failed an emission test or is noticeable out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gas mileage by 4% on average.

Keep your tires at the right pressure- Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure and not over or under inflated. Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gas mileage by about 3%.

Minimize vehicle drag- keep your trunk and back seat clear of unnecessary items that only add weight. Removing excess weight can improve your gas mileage.

Keep the windows closed- Wind blowing through an open window will slow you down. To compensate, you may put your foot down harder, using more fuel.

Take the roof rack off- If you're not using your roof rack then remove it. They affect the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as 5%.

Use the correct oil- Always use the recommended grade of oil in your engine. Following your manufacturer's motor oil recommendation can improve gas mileage 1-2%.

Use cruise control- Like the hybrid using cruise control on major roads and in free flowing traffic and maintaining a constant speed can improve gas mileage.

Avoid idling- When you idle you get 0 miles per gallon.

Most people don't think about this stuff when their in a hurry. But if you want to save money you will take the little stuff to heart. These tips work I have tried them myself, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.