Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

After months of lull in the world's oil price, it started to increase again. Using more fuel for your car thus will increase more spending. It is never too late to increase your gas mileage with the same gas expenditure.

Frequent trips to the gas station may be a sign that you’re not maximizing your car’s fuel efficiency. As it turns out, trading your ride in for a hybrid isn’t the only way to improve your gas mileage. Here are some simple pointers to get started (when in doubt, consult your mechanic).

1. Lighten your load. Take out your golf clubs, toolbox and other heavy items when you don’t need them. Any extra weight reduces your car’s fuel efficiency. But don't remove your spare tire.

2. Cruise driving. If you are traveling on highway, use cruise control as much as possible because driving at a constant speed increases your gas mileage. Plus, it sure makes that daily commute a little more bearable.

3. Overdrive. Switch into overdrive to decrease the engine’s speed and save gas.

4. Keep the idling to a minimum. Instead, turn off the engine while you’re waiting for your pals to pick up something from the store or finish getting ready.

5. Don't accelerate indiscriminately. Gradually accelerate to waste less gas. Driving faster doesn't mean you can beat the traffic light.

6. Maintain your tire pressure. Ensure that your tires are always properly inflated. In addition to better gas mileage, it will help your tires last longer.

7. Don't be thrifty with motor oil. Use the grade of motor oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer, whether it be 5W-30, 5W-20 or 10W-30.

8. Regular maintenance. Give your engine a tune up on a regular basis.

9. Air-con consumes more gas. Only turn on the air conditioning when you’re dripping sweat and threatened by heat stroke. Okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but you get the idea. Use it sparingly.

10. Reduce drag. Take off bike or luggage racks when you aren’t using them. They interfere with the aerodynamics of your vehicle and cause drag, which causes your car to expend more energy than necessary.

Related links:
* How to Get Better Gas Mileage