How Can I Increase My Gas Mileage

A free article on Travel and Leisure

By: Tony James

How Can I Increase My Gas Mileage? Is a question that everyone has to face one way or the other. In today's world where we have so many technological breakthroughs in our society, we still all struggle with one basic fact that will affect and control our actions each and everyday. The Pain at the Pump to quote one news network, has changed the way we go about our daily lives.

Let's face it, if I have a vehicle that gets 8 miles to the gallon, this limits the way I get to work, conduct business and get food for my family. Since I can not balance grocery's, and ride a bike at the same time, I have determined there must be a better way to save money on fuel. This is a main concern for all of us, because we all need to get from point A to point B and still have gasoline without applying for a second mortgage. This will require some out of the box thinking, but you know what they say desperate times require, well you know the rest.

With all that being said lets get more specific, first let's consider the vehicle itself. If your are in the position to buy a new car, what should you look for?

Cars which use alternative fuels are a very attractive option, since the fuels they require are readily available. Otherwise, it may be best to find the lightest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that suits your are driving needs, and practice all the methods of improving gas mileage available.

Carmakers are also turning to aluminum, which is 33 percent lighter than steel. Mazda will display a new rotary engine with aluminum substituted for steel, in the side housings for the first time. Here are quick tips that will help you save a couple bucks at the gas pump in the long run.

1. Accelerating before the hill is easier on your car than accelerating on the hill. If it's a big enough hill, you will still need to accelerate while you're on it, but then you won't have to use the accelerator on the entire hill.

2. Accelerating gradually from a full stop is the easiest way to increase gas mileage. Jerking starts, especially in dense traffic where you may have to brake again immediately anyway, force any car to perform inefficiently.

3. Gasoline is cooler and denser in the early morning. Gas pumps measure volumes of gas and not densities, so you get more fuel for your money. Gasoline prices have risen 33 percent this year, and with the average cost of gas now at more than $4 a gallon, Americans are struggling to stay on the road without breaking their bank accounts. Some businesses though see an opportunity to make money by selling fuel boosting additives or offering engine modifications to help drivers conserve fuel.

4. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute, contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy. It also helps to make sure that you check and replace your air filters regularly.

5. Check your tire pressure often, and keep them inflated to near the maximum rating. With lower tire pressure your tires "squash" a little where it hits the road, reducing the radius from your axle to the road surface

6. Remember to keep your trunk as empty as possible. You'll lose about 2-15% increase in fuel efficiency because of this. Drivers who have installed Half Water Half Gas technology in their vehicles use water as a supplemental fuel together with traditional fuels for energy. This means a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency and less trips to the pump. Drive more smoothly...forget the jack-rabbit starts, forget the head-snapping acceleration when passing on the freeway, these habits only eat fuel.

9. Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel. EPA estimates a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip.

I hoped you enjoyed reading this article on How can I Increase My Gas Mileage.

For more information check our website:

Stay Informed,

Anthony U. James