Since gas prices continue to creep up and up (gas is around $2.91 a gallon where I live in East Texas), I’ve been trying to think of ways that I can get better gas mileage. According to the US Department of Energy, there are several things you can do to get better gas mileage:
1. Avoid Aggressive Driving – can save 5% to 33%
2. Stay Under 60MPH or 96km/hr – each 5 mph over is like 20¢/gallon more fuel cost (9km/hr over is 5¢/ltr.)
3. Remove Excess Weight and extra 100 lbs, or 50 kg, can affect fuel efficiency by 2%.
4. Avoid excess idling as it gets 0 mpg or 0 km/ltr.
5. Use cruise control on the highway as it maintains a constant speed and will more times than not save fuel
6. Use overdrive gear as it reduces engine speed saving fuel as well as reducing wear.
7. Keep your engine properly tuned can save you 4%
8. Make sure to regularly change your air filter, it can save you up to 10%
9. Keeping tires inflated properly to vehicle specifications can save you up to 3%
10. Use the recommended grade of motor oil, it can save you 1% to 2%