How to Get High Miles-per-gallon or MPG in Your Vehicle

How do you achieve high miles per gallon, or MPG for short? This is a subject that most vehicle drivers are interested in considering gas prices averaged over $2.60 per gallon in 2009 according to AAA fuel report.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, who created new MPG testing methods used on 2008 models and higher, MPG can vary greatly depending on the situation. But here are a few tips and tricks for achieving a higher MPG.

1) Try not to drive so much around town, because the slow speeds combined with the stopping and going in traffic uses more gas than on highways. If you do drive in town, don't be aggressive because abrupt braking and accelerating uses more gas than more driving more conservatively.

2) Don't idle because then you are effectively getting 0 MPG. Idling your vehicle for longer than 30 seconds wastes more gas than turning your engine off and on again.

3) When driving on highways don't drive over 60 MPH. According to the EPA, every 5 MPH over 60 MPH is "like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas." Using the cruise control on highways is a good way to keep a consistent speed and raise MPG.

4) Don't overuse the air conditioning because it's powered with gas. Open your window or the vents for cool air. If you must use A/C, turn it on until you are cool, and then turn it off. Having it on for briefer periods of time increase your MPG.

5) Keep your vehicle's weight light by removing unnecessary stuff from the trunk or passenger seats. Having a lighter car boosts MPG.

6) Maintain your car's tires and engine with regular tune-ups. Having your tires inflated to the correct pressure improves gas mileage. Engine tune-ups and regular maintenance will catch problems that could cause excess gas use.