How to Get the Best Gas Mileage for Your Buck

According to Gas Buddy, you have to go all the way back to 2010 to find a time when drivers paid under $3 for a gallon of gas in the U.S. Given this upward trend in gas prices, it’s no wonder so many people are thinking about ways to improve their vehicle’s gas mileage. Here are seven strategies for getting the best gas mileage for your money.

Know Your Starting Point

Even though owner’s manuals or dashboard displays may offer you a specific fuel efficiency level for city and highway, many people feel these numbers overstate your car’s gas mileage. So, figure it out yourself by filling up your gas tank until the pump clicks off automatically. Write down how many gallons of gas you bought. Reset your car’s trip counter before you leave the filling station, and continue driving your car as you always do. When you’re ready for another fill-up (it’s best to let it get as empty as possible), record the mileage on the trip counter. Repeat this process four or five times, and you should have an accurate picture of what kind of fuel efficiency you’re getting.

Divide the number of miles each time by the number of gallons you bought. The result of this equation is your fuel mileage. Now you have a baseline and a way to evaluate the steps you take to improve your fuel economy. If this process seems too cumbersome, modify your car with a fuel economy computer that gives you instant feedback on gas mileage.

Use Smartphone Apps

Over the last few year smartphones have become a vital part of our lives. You can use your smartphone to save money on gas, there are literally 100′s of phone applications available, most for free, that can help you save money at the pump. I suggest you download a few and see if it fits your needs, most of these are free and just a few clicks away. Here are 9 apps to get you started.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Though many luxury SUVs that are coming off the line today no longer guzzle gas like older models, drivers of these larger vehicles are looking for ways to improve gas mileage. This driving strategy works on any vehicle, regardless of its size. Don’t put yourself in situations in which you’ll need to break quickly. Instead, try to coast to a complete stop. When you pull out from a red light or stop sign, don’t accelerate quickly. A gradual increase in speed saves gas.

Turn off the Ignition

Find yourself waiting in an endless line at a fast food joint, bank, or pharmacy? Or perhaps you’re stuck waiting for a train to pass in front of you. In any event, turn off your engine to avoid burning gas while you idle. This tactic is especially relevant for people who frequently drive in the city.

Keep Your Tires and Air Filter in Tiptop Shape

Under-filled tires exhibit more rolling resistance than properly filled ones. In turn, the vehicle will need more gas to function. Get in the habit of checking the pressure of your tires every week. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure increases your car’s fuel efficiency.

Just as you should check your tire pressure regularly, make sure you check and change the air filter as needed. It’s a good idea to do an air filter check every time you change your car’s oil. Having a clean air filter in place helps save fuel as well.

Install a Vacuum Gauge

This device helps you calibrate your driving technique and speed to help you maximize your car’s fuel efficiency. It monitors the vacuum pressure in the engine. Watch the readings on the boost side of the gauge. The lower the reading when you’re at high speeds, the better the fuel efficiency. Find the ideal speed and use it to increase your gas mileage as you drive.

Reduce Drag

Some cars come equipped with mud flaps, roof racks, and raised spoilers. While these additions carry a certain amount of visual appeal and prestige among car owners, they make vehicles less aerodynamic. You can even remove some common features to improve fuel efficiency such as the passenger side mirror and radio antenna.

Remember to drive with your windows closed. Windows in the down position increase drag and make your car burn more fuel as it moves. On the highway, closed windows improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.

What are some of the techniques and tricks you’ve used to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage?

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