6 Ways To Improve Gas Mileage Right Now!
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. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires take considerably more energy to move your car. Check your tire pressure every time you fill up – it doesn’t cost anything extra and you’ll be considerably safer too.
2. Have tires aligned. Poorly aligned tires also create drag, particularly on turns and while going uphill. Have your tires aligned at least every six to nine months.
3. Have your brakes checked. Brakes that are improperly aligned or worn make braking much less efficient, which in turn means you have to brake longer or harder, and burn more gas to accelerate again. Check your brakes whenever you have your tires aligned.
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. Spend less time idling. You are getting no miles per gallon while you are idling. Although it takes more gas when you start your car, if you will be idling more than 30 seconds it is better to shut off your engine.
6. Improve your driving habits. Learn to accelerate less, do your errands during off-peak times when there is less traffic, think ahead and combine trips whenever possible. Avoid congestion, and especially stop and go traffic.
There are a lot of ways to improve gas mileage. Start be visiting sites like www.gasforlessmoney.com and start putting these gas-saving tips into practice. A gas mileage improvement of just 10% actually translates into a savings of $5-$10 by reducing how frequently you have to fill your tank!
The author is currently working through her Accelerated Nursing Programs.
