Gas prices are rising once more. All around the country, people are finding their trip to the fuel pump to be a shocking experience. When it costs as much to fill up the fuel tank on your SUV as to feed your family for a week, it’s time figure out some fuel saving techniques. Actually, there are several ways that you can make sure that you get the best possible gas mileage.
Tire Pressure
Another cause of poor fuel economy is low tire pressure. The lower your tire pressure is, the softer your tires are and the harder your car’s engine has to work to turn them. However, you don’t want to over inflate them either, as that leads to premature tire failure. Make sure you set your tire pressure to your automaker’s specifications (found on the driver side door placard).
Don’t Idle
One of the biggest wastes of gas is idling your engine. If you are going to get out of the car for more than 60 seconds, cut the engine off. Unless it is very cold, don’t warm your engine up for more than two minutes or so. Remember, your car is still burning gas when you idle, but it’s just being wasted. Don’t sit idle – turn off the engine.
Keep Driving
Another way to boost your gas mileage is to do all of your running around and errands at one time. If you’ll be going several places during the week, try to get them all done at one time. Shorter trips can often cost as much gas as longer ones, so combine as many as possible.
Consider Your Braking
To start boosting your gas mileage, you should also consider the way that you brake. If you are one of those people who stomps the brake pedal at the red light, stop. You should begin braking well before you need to stop. The same rule applies to driving in traffic – avoid speeding up and then slamming on your brakes, as you are only wasting gas.
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