How to get better Mileage for your Bucks
Everyone wants to get better mileage and visit the gas station less frequently. Here are 10 tips that will let you do that.
1) Tire pressure - yes, you've heard it before, but keeping your tires at the proper pressure will increase your mileage by 3% or more. If you don't know what the proper pressure is check your owner's manual or ask the person who sold you the tires. If you don't know how to read a tire gauge they have digital ones you can use.
2) Replace the tailgate - if you drive a pickup replace the tailgate with a "mesh" tailgate. This increases your mileage by 5%. Do NOT remove the tailgate or drive with it down - that decreases your mileage by 6% -7% (proven on Mythbusters).
3) Fast starts and sudden stops - STOP IT. This can decrease your gas mileage by as much as 30%. You are NOT on a race track; you don't have to be the fastest off the mark. Keep an eye on the light ahead of you and if it is turning yellow or red start to slow down don't wait till the last minute and slam on the brakes.
4) Clean and wax your vehicle - a clean waxed vehicle slips through the air better and increases your gas mileage by 7%.
5) Regular maintenance - rotate tires, replace air, fuel and oil filters, get a tune-up. A properly tuned engine uses less fuel.
6) Clean out the "stuff". Every extra pound of "stuff" you carry around in your vehicle makes the engine work harder - so if you don't NEED it don't carry it - leave it home until you DO need it.
7) Cruise control - if you will be going the same speed for 5 minutes or more - use the CRUISE! It will save gas and help keep you from getting speeding tickets.
8) Windows vs A/C. Rule of thumb is (when it is hot out) - in town keep the windows down. On the highway, windows up and a/c on. At low speeds the drag from open windows is less than the a/c drag but at high speeds that reverses.
9) Don't idle, if you don't have to - one minute idling your vehicle uses the same amount of gas as driving one mile. It takes one cup (8 ounces) of gas (or less) to start your engine. So sitting in long slow drive-in lanes or waiting with the engine running for someone you are picking up can be extremely wasteful. Depending on your mileage and the price of gas, a 5 minute wait can cost as little as 50 cents or more than a dollar. I personally kill the engine as soon as I get into my parking spot and don't start my engine until I am 100% ready to drive - it does make a difference.
10) Reduce wind resistance - have a flag flying or an antenna "topper" - get a decal there is less drag. How about a "roof rack" or bike carrier - if you aren't using them take them off - both the drag and the extra weight use up your gas.
