How to Improve Gas MiIeage

With the general state of the economy and the rising gas prices these days it may be worth it do whatever you can to maximize the gas mileage for your vehicles. There are several techniques you can implement to improve gas mileage and make your vehicles run more efficiently.

Practice reasonable, safe, and efficient driving techniques. In most cases you should drive the speed limit and avoid repeated acceleration and excessive breaking. Driving too fast and unnecessary acceleration and breaking all waste gas. For longer trips you will generally improve gas mileage if you use the cruise control and remove any excess weight from storage or remove equipment racks from your vehicle. Cruise control is more efficient, especially during long highway stretches where you can maintain a constant speed. Extra weight in your vehicle or the drag caused by equipment racks can lower your gas mileage.

Stick to a maintenance schedule that includes oil changes, tune-ups, and tire checks. You should have the oil changed at least every 5,000 miles for most cars and be sure to use the weight and grade of oil recommended for your car. If you have your car serviced by someone else you should check the oil level yourself after a day or so has passed. Many auto technicians fail to fill the reservoir to the proper level and your engine can overheat or seize as a result. You should schedule tune-ups within a moderate amount of the time interval suggested by the owner's manual. You should also frequently check the pressure in your tires. Under-inflated tires can cause drag against the pavement and decrease your gas mileage. Properly inflated tires also tend to last longer.

Although new studies have shown that replacing the air filter on most fuel-injected cars does not directly improve fuel economy, replacing a clogged filter can improve acceleration times. It is not necessary to change the air filter every time the oil is changed, although the technician will probably ask. You should replace an air filter about every third or fourth oil change depending on how often you change the oil and your driving habits.

These simple techniques can help you improve you gas mileage and improve the efficiency of your car's engine. Not only can you save money on gas, but also proper maintenance and an efficiently running engine will lead to a longer life for all your engine parts.