How to Increase Gas Mileage

I wrote this in 2008. I am often ask how to increase gas mileage? These simple procedures can save you money on gasoline.  The majority of these suggestions the average person can do themselves with the exception of the tune-up.

Buy the lowest octane level of gasoline that is required for your vehicle. Refer to  your owner's manual for the octane rating which is required for your vehicle. If your vehicle knocks or pings when you fuel up with regular unleaded, then use the next level of octane gasoline. This could mean your vehicle needs a tune-up. By not using expensive premium gasoline, this will save you hundreds of dollars in a years time.

If you have a garage park your vehicle in your garage. This will help your vehicle stay warmer in winter and cool in summer. Thus  you will save gas by not having to use the defroster in the winter. In the summer if the car is stored in the garage, the vehicle will be cooler thus you will save on air-conditioning.

Tire pressure needs to be checked once a week, use the recommended pressure in your owner's manual. One can also find this information inside the drivers door jam on the vehicle. To get an accurate reading of tire pressure, be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. Improper tire inflation will damage your tires, and lower your vehicle's gas mileage. When the tires are under inflated the tire has more resistance to the roadway, thus your engine works harder to maintain a set speed. The vehicle's gas mileage may go down as much as 15 percent. Under inflated tires may reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent plus. I have seen this happen.

Gas mileage can be boosted up 4 to 5 percent by keeping the vehicle in tune. Regular tune-ups are a must for the best fuel mileage. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a vehicle's fuel efficiency from 25 to 35 percent. A bad coil can greatly reduce fuel mileage.

Replace the vehicle air filter to improve gas mileage. You can tell when the engine air filter needs to be replaced  it will be clogged with dust and dirt.  This causes your engine to work harder thus your vehicle becomes less fuel-efficient. The engine air filter should be checked every three months, or at 3000 miles when the oil is changed.

You will save money or increase your mileage, by use lowest octane gasoline, park in a garage, check tire pressure, keep vehicle tuned-up, and changing the air filters. I hope these suggestion help increase your fuel mileage.