Gas Savings Tips

Do you remember when you could purchase a full tank of gas for less than twenty-five dollars? It seems like that was ages ago. Then, gas mileage was not a big concern of mine. That is no longer the case. I want to save every extra mile per gallon that is humanly possible. I’ll let you in on my top ten secrets on how to increase your gas mileage.

1. Tune your engine. A regularly tuned up car will not only mean a longer life span for your vehicle but can also guarantee better gas mileage. If you follow the recommendations from your car manufacturer, tuning your engine can increase you gas mileage by an average of four percent.

2. Replace your engine oil. Minimizing friction and engine heat and reducing gas consumption can be accomplished by using the proper grade and type of oil. Change your oil according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. This is a great way to increase your gas mileage by up to two percent.

3. Air filters should be checked and repaired on a regular basis. By changing your filters, you can help burn less gas because your engine’s efficiency increases. More force and energy are created, which means better gasoline consumption for your car. Instead of utilizing reusable air filters, look for quality paper filters when replacing your filter. You could add ten percent to your miles per gallon, simply by replacing filters that have become clogged.

4. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated. In addition to damaging the tire itself, poorly inflated tires can cost you fuel. Looking at the imprint that is on the tire wall is the most accurate way to determine the correct pressure amount. By inflating your tires to the correct pressure level, your gas mileage may increase three percent. Make sure that your gauge is accurate when you check your pressure. Buying a better tire gauge is definitely worth the few extra dollars.

5. Check your wheel/tire alignment. If you wheels or tires are out of alignment, the car will pull to either the right or left. This pulling requires extra energy to continue in a straight line and thus reduces gas mileage.

6. Fill your gas tank using the minimum required octane. For most cars, regular octane is the recommended gas. Buying higher octane gas is a waste of money unless your engine is knocking. Check your owner’s manual for the right octane level and do not buy a higher octane gas.

7. Utilize a fuel injector cleaner or purchase a fuel system treatment. Carburetors, fuel injectors, intake valves, intake courts and combustion chambers commonly have carbon deposits that will form on them. The fuel will vaporize poorly when carbon deposits block the injectors. Such things as fuel cleaners and additives can increase your car’s miles per gallon.

8. Clean the junk out of your trunk. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk, and just leave the basic items required in emergency situations. A lighter car will use less gas.

9. Avoid rooftop carriers and carrying things on the roof. Wind resistance can have a big impact on your mileage.

10. Inspect your gas cap. Check the seal to make sure it is complete and in good condition. It allows gas to readily escape from the car, if it is damaged.
Since the price of gasoline continues to rise, it makes sense to spend the extra time and effort to keep your car well maintained. These tips will help you reduce your gasoline costs and let you use that money on something that you enjoy!

Write by : Jonathon HartmanAuthor Biography - Personal Finance Expert John Hart from Financial Info Hub focuses his efforts providing innovative ideas on the best ways to save money in all areas of personal finance. For a limited time, you can sign up to his financial tips newsletter absolutely free and learn the best strategies for saving money.