Gas prices topping $3 a gallon has many motorists in a tizzy. We've been accustomed to cheap fuel for so many years, so much so that the recent run up in prices has many people worried and wondering how they can save on fuel. Prices aren't likely to drop anytime soon, so short of trading in your current set of wheels for a hybrid or a diesel, you need some sensible answers on how to save money. Let's take a look at several ways you can squeeze better gas mileage out of your vehicle. Inflate Your Tires - If you don't regularly check your tires, you could be spending more on gas than what is necessary. Keep your tires properly inflated and you could reverse a drop in fuel economy of 5-15%. Change The Oil - An efficiently running engine eats less fuel, pure and simple. If you haven't changed your oil in some time, do it today. Change The Air Filter - Again, if your air filter is clogged, it will cause a drag on your engine making it work harder. Replace the paper air filter with a cotton gauze based performance filter to maximize fuel economy. You'll pay a little more up front, but it'll be the last air filter your car will ever need. Check The Spark Plugs - If you haven't had a tune up in some time, consider changing the spark plugs and adjusting the timing. A misfiring engine eats up more fuel. Leave It Off The Top - If you can, don't pack things on top of your car when you take your next trip. The wind drag can reduce fuel mileage by as much as 5%. Lighten The Load - Every 100 lbs. or so of "stuff" in your car can cause fuel economy to drop by 1-2%. If you don't need to bring it, then leave it behind. Running Like A Rabbit - Jackrabbit starts burn up gas, so lighten your foot's hold on the accelerator and avoid driving like a NASCAR pro. Highway Sensibility - Stay within the posted speed limit, use an overdrive gear, and turn off the air-conditioner whenever possible will also save you precious fuel. Simply Cut Back - Not an easy task for most, but driving less obviously means you will expend less fuel. If you can't cut back on your usage, consider combining trips and errands in order to save fuel. Lastly, if you are planning on replacing certain parts, consider performance parts that not only produce more power, but can help your engine run more efficiently. Cold air intakes, performance exhaust systems, and reusable air filters are some of the products on the market that can achieve great results. |
