Increase Your Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

People are interested in increasing fuel economy in their vehicles. The price of gasoline is putting a large dent in the budget of the average family. There are simple ways to increase miles per gallon used, save on gasoline consumption, and normal vehicle maintenance. Here are some savings tips, some of which you may know, some you may not.

Compare Stations

Comparison shopping gasoline prices can save a lot of money. Take the time to compare stations prices by searching for the lowest prices in your zip code. GasBuddy.com is an excellent tool for savings. You may have to drive that few blocks to save several cents a gallon, but the cost savings can be significant. Most stations are chosen for convenience and usually have the highest price of gasoline.

Use Regular Grade Gas

Using regular gasoline rather than the premium grade saves dollars. Most vehicles do not need the pricey, premium-grade gasoline. Check the owner's manual to be sure. A cost savings of 23 cents or more per gallon makes a big difference.

Changing Oil

Changing oil every 3,000 miles is a waste of money. Again, check the owner's manual. Most vehicles can go for 5,000 miles before an oil change.

Maintain

Regular maintenance, such as a tune up, can detect problems that make vehicles operate less efficiently. Minor problems with clogged air filters, improperly inflated tires, (the President was right), and even the wrong grade of oil can cost money. A good mechanic can detect potential problems before expensive repairs are needed.

Empty the Trash

Dumping the junk hauled around in the trunk saves money. Family vehicles that constantly haul sports equipment for the kids use extra gas. Unless the equipment is needed daily, take the time to store it in the garage until the next game.

Travel Lightly

An extra 100 pounds in your trunk lowers gas mileage by 2%, and luggage on a roof rack can decrease gas mileage by 5%. When traveling, do everything possible to store luggage inside the vehicle for the most efficient gas mileage.

Little Old Lady/Man

Driving efficiently can save the most on gas. Drive like the "little old lady" in front of you that is so annoying. Jackrabbit starts and stops waste gas and brakes. When driving in the city, drive as smoothly as possible. If you hurry to the next stop light, you just have to wait anyway.

Cruise Control

Gas mileage decreases as you accelerate beyond 60 mph. When driving on Interstates or Toll Roads use the Cruise Control. Try not to break momentum during travel. Setting the controls slightly below the maximum speed limit, allows most other cars to pass, thus not interfering with your speed. Applying the break or accelerating to pass uses extra gasoline.

Being a responsible vehicle owner and driver makes a huge difference in the family budget at the year-end. Try these tips for just three months and see the difference. Yes, it takes being aware, but then so does most worthwhile actions.