By Adam Nicoloff
Even if you don't want to admit it, gas prices are taking a bite out of your wallet. Gasoline prices are setting a new all-time every time we turn around. To compensate, you will need to make a few changes so that you can improve your miles per gallon (mpg) and save yourself some hard earned money. Here are 8 simple steps that you can start practicing today.
1. Properly inflate your tires.
Did you know that driving with tires that aren't fully inflated can cost you 5 -10% more gas than if your tires were filled properly. All you need to do to correct this is check your tire pressure every few times you fill up. Look on the side of your tire for the recommended psi and adjust accordingly. While your doing this, its a good idea to check your tires for excessive wear.
2. Don't put off your oil change
Today with the use of synthetic oil, it isn't necessary to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Depending on the type of synthetic oil you use, ask to see what the recommended drive time for that oil is. I would say that if your using synthetic oil, to get it changed between 5,000 and 6,000 miles. Clean oil will reduce friction in your engine and can improve your mpg by about 3 percent.
3. Lose the Lead Foot!!
I know thats its nice to feel like we are all NASCAR drivers every time we get behind the wheel, but that extra speed is really just wasting gas. 55 miles per hour is the optimal speed to improve mpg. For every 5 miles over that, you start using an extra 3 - 4 percent per gallon.
4. Avoid fast stops and starts
You can save a good amount of gas by avoiding fast stops and starts. Come to a slow and steady stop instead of screeching to a stop at traffic lights and then speeding away. Learn to start and stop at a gradual pace.
5. Replace the air filter.
Check your air filter about once a month. If its clogged, its like trying to run your dryer with a clogged lint trap. Having a clean air filter will improve your cars efficiency and improve your mpg. Check your car manual for location of the air filter and directions. Be careful though, every time you get your oil checked it seems like they try to sell you an air filter. Even if it looks dirty, tell them no thanks. Then drive over to Wal-Mart and buy one yourself for about $10 and put it in.
6. Get rid of the crap.
How to improve your mpg? Hmmmm, stop using your car as storage for everything that should be kept in the garage. If your trunk or back seat is full of heavy garbage, you could be costing yourself money at the pumps. Remove the extra cargo that is cluttering your car and keep it to the bare minimum.
7. Regulate your air conditioner.
If you are on the highway, it makes sense to use your AC. The reason is that if you have your windows open on the highway, the increase in drag on your car will cost you more gas then your AC running will. If you driving around town, shut off the AC and open your windows.
8. Buy a HYBRID
I know that this is an extreme example, but the mileage that you can get from a hybrid is unbelievable. With gas prices through the roof, these things are becoming more practical by the day. There are more options out today that will give you great value.
For the most part, saving money on your gasoline expense is common sense and relatively simple to accomplish.These are some simple steps on how to improve mpg.
If you want to really learn how to save $$$$'s at the pump, check out http://www.squidoo.com/savegasmoney
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Nicoloff
Even if you don't want to admit it, gas prices are taking a bite out of your wallet. Gasoline prices are setting a new all-time every time we turn around. To compensate, you will need to make a few changes so that you can improve your miles per gallon (mpg) and save yourself some hard earned money. Here are 8 simple steps that you can start practicing today.
1. Properly inflate your tires.
Did you know that driving with tires that aren't fully inflated can cost you 5 -10% more gas than if your tires were filled properly. All you need to do to correct this is check your tire pressure every few times you fill up. Look on the side of your tire for the recommended psi and adjust accordingly. While your doing this, its a good idea to check your tires for excessive wear.
2. Don't put off your oil change
Today with the use of synthetic oil, it isn't necessary to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Depending on the type of synthetic oil you use, ask to see what the recommended drive time for that oil is. I would say that if your using synthetic oil, to get it changed between 5,000 and 6,000 miles. Clean oil will reduce friction in your engine and can improve your mpg by about 3 percent.
3. Lose the Lead Foot!!
I know thats its nice to feel like we are all NASCAR drivers every time we get behind the wheel, but that extra speed is really just wasting gas. 55 miles per hour is the optimal speed to improve mpg. For every 5 miles over that, you start using an extra 3 - 4 percent per gallon.
4. Avoid fast stops and starts
You can save a good amount of gas by avoiding fast stops and starts. Come to a slow and steady stop instead of screeching to a stop at traffic lights and then speeding away. Learn to start and stop at a gradual pace.
5. Replace the air filter.
Check your air filter about once a month. If its clogged, its like trying to run your dryer with a clogged lint trap. Having a clean air filter will improve your cars efficiency and improve your mpg. Check your car manual for location of the air filter and directions. Be careful though, every time you get your oil checked it seems like they try to sell you an air filter. Even if it looks dirty, tell them no thanks. Then drive over to Wal-Mart and buy one yourself for about $10 and put it in.
6. Get rid of the crap.
How to improve your mpg? Hmmmm, stop using your car as storage for everything that should be kept in the garage. If your trunk or back seat is full of heavy garbage, you could be costing yourself money at the pumps. Remove the extra cargo that is cluttering your car and keep it to the bare minimum.
7. Regulate your air conditioner.
If you are on the highway, it makes sense to use your AC. The reason is that if you have your windows open on the highway, the increase in drag on your car will cost you more gas then your AC running will. If you driving around town, shut off the AC and open your windows.
8. Buy a HYBRID
I know that this is an extreme example, but the mileage that you can get from a hybrid is unbelievable. With gas prices through the roof, these things are becoming more practical by the day. There are more options out today that will give you great value.
For the most part, saving money on your gasoline expense is common sense and relatively simple to accomplish.These are some simple steps on how to improve mpg.
If you want to really learn how to save $$$$'s at the pump, check out http://www.squidoo.com/savegasmoney
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Nicoloff
Labels: Auto Part
0 Comments:
<< Home | << Add a comment