You have Control over Mpg
With gas prices at approximately $4.00 a gallon it is definitely time for a little refresher on how keeping the vehicle in tip top condition can help save money at the gas pump. This is a place where every single penny can make a difference to the bottom line, and quickly.Miles Per Gallon or MPG is a measurement of how many miles your vehicle will travel on a gallon of gas. It is not a constant number because it is based on the kind of driving, the quality of the gas, and the condition that the car is in. The good news is that there are things that can be done to help keep a car at its’ optimum.
Use the right oil
Your car comes with a manual. If you purchased it used and the manual did not come with it, invest in one. Believe it or not, there is a lot of pertinent information and a place to keep track of maintenance. Like most things in life, just following the directions can go a long way.If you have been using the wrong weight of oil or not using energy conserving oil, you can be losing 1 to 2 percent on your gas mileage.
Get regular tune ups
Cars need maintenance. A yearly tune up is a good idea. A professional knows what to look for and how to fix it. Many times the answer will be, everything looks great. Other times small adjustments can be made that save money and problems in the future. Even brand new cars can have a loose hose or simple problem that may turn into a big problem.
Older models check the air filter
In older model cars the air filter has a big impact on on gas mileage. So keep a clean air filter on the car.
Tire pressure
This is probably one of the most important and most overlooked key to getting good gas mileage. You can locate the information of the car manufacture on a sticker on the drivers’ side (typically) and in the owners manual. The tires also have some recommendations. Use the proper tires and the car manufacturers’ numbers for best results. Check the tire pressure every time you fill up. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure for all four tires. This can be a big savings.
Oxygen sensor
One of the things a mechanic checks for is how well the oxygen sensor is working. A faulty oxygen sensor can impact your MPG by 40 percent. Clearly, no one wants to leave that unchecked.
Look at the big picture. The details of maintenance are worth the savings you will see in the long run.
