10 Ways to Get More Mileage Out Of a Tank of Gas
What do you think is the biggest factor in how far a tank of gas will take you? Distance, weather conditions, terrain, condition and maintenance of your vehicle’s engine? Wrong. Believe it or not there is one simple thing that will most definitely affect the amount of mileage you get out of a full tank of gas and that is: Driving style (or lack thereof). This is why we bring up the issue; we want to educate drivers on what they can do to maximize their fuel economy and help with this list we’ve compiled 10 ways to achieve more miles from every gallon!
This is a good time to remember that “waste not, want not” was an adage my mother used to live by.
If you care about keeping your car happy and your wallet fat, then you should be following these simple steps too.
1. Drive less:
Carpool, combine errands, and cut down on mindless trips around town. You’ll use less fuel and your car will thank you.
2. Slow down:
Speeding wastes gas (and can land you a ticket). Driving 55 mph instead of 75 uses as much as 30 percent less fuel – and saves money at the pump
3. Check your tire pressure regularly:
Underinflated tires waste gas; overinflated tires wear out faster. Proper inflation is listed in your owner’s manual and on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. Keep the tires inflated to the psi rating recommended for your vehicle – check them once a month with an accurate tire gauge – or install a low-pressure monitoring system that alerts you when your tires need air.
4. Clean your car’s air filter:
Particles from the road can clog a dirty filter, creating more resistance for the engine and costing you more at the pump. Replace it every 12,000 miles or so – earlier if you drive in severe conditions – and keep it clean whenever possible by checking it every time you gas up.
5. Don’t top off:
When adding gasoline to a nearly full tank, as much as 10 percent of the volume is displaced by fumes emitted from the gas pump nozzle. Instead, fill up when your tank is half empty; this reduces waste and saves money over time (and helps conserve fossil fuels too).
6. Accelerate gradually:
Aggressive driving – racing to beat a yellow light, for example – can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and 25 percent around town. Use cruise control on the highway and employ a “lead foot” to save fuel: When you see a green light ahead, ease off the gas rather than braking or accelerating.
7. Deflate your tires:
Every 5 psi drop in tire pressure results in a 1 percent increase in rolling resistance – which means using as much as 4 percent more gas. Add air as needed (check your owner’s manual for the correct inflation level); be sure to check all four tires because imbalances affect handling and wear out faster. This simple task will pay dividends over time.
8. Combine errands:
Doing several short trips around town rather than one long one not only helps conserve fuel and extend your engine’s life, it also saves you time (and money on wear and tear).
9. Check your spark plugs:
Worn or fouled spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by as much as 25 percent. If they’re dirty, install new ones; if they look fine, just clean them with a wire brush. Replacing them is generally recommended every 60,000 miles – unless you use the car mostly for stop-and-go driving – but consults your owner’s manual first.
10. Prevent air leaks:
A hundredth of an inch of vacuum loss caused by a leaking intake manifold, unplugged vacuum hose, or evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system can increase your fuel use by up to 5 percent. Some leaks are obvious; for others, you may need the help of a mechanic or service station attendant who uses smoke and soapy water to find them.
Conclusion:
It sounds like a lot of trouble, I know, but it’s really not.
Just five minutes here and there saved me about $3100 last year, and I think my car is happier: It purrs like a kitten now that the throttle has been tamed.
And my wife is happier too: She used to give me that dirty look when I jumped on the pedal (and earned those speeding tickets). Now she smiles as we walk out together to our well-tuned chariot – where we’re both happiest of all.