6 Ways To Improve Gas Mileage!
Gas prices may have dropped from the crazy four-dollar-plus per gallon that it was last summer, but it still isn’t cheap. With prices hovering around three dollars per gallon, it still takes a huge bite out of the budget. Here are 6 steps you can take to get more for your money, and keep more money in your wallet – where it belongs!
1. Check your tire pressure. Tires that are under-inflated are “soft” and require more work – and more gas – in order to spin. Have your tires checked whenever you fill up, it doesn’t cost you anything.
2. Make sure your tires are properly aligned. Improperly aligned tires also create drag, especially when going up hill and on turns, meaning your engine is burning more gas.
3. Check your brakes. You should have your brakes aligned and checked. Poorly aligned brakes mean you have to brake harder, and you lose or bleed off kinetic energy, resulting in lower gas mileage.
4. Have your engine tuned. If your engine isn’t properly tuned, it runs less efficiently. Have your engine timing checked, and replace dirty or worn spark plugs.
5. Limit idling. When you are idling, you are getting exactly zero miles per gallon. while it takes more gas to start your car than it does to idle, you can actually save gas by shutting off your engine if you are going to be idle more than 30 seconds.
6. Improve your driving. Don’t over-accelerate just to brake, like accelerating between stop signs more than you need to reach the next stop sign. Avoid stop-and-go traffic; do your errands during off-peak times when there is less traffic.
These are some of the ways to improve gas mileage. Websites like gasforlessmoney.com list many more easy and practical gas-saving tips. Keep in mind that gas mileage improvement of 10% becomes a savings of $5-$10 when you fill up!
The author is currently working through her Accelerated Nursing Programs.
Tags: gas mileage, gas prices, Money & Finance, Travel