A simple way to save gas and put some money in your pocket

In today's economy every little savings can make a difference . I have always been amazed how people don't realize how much money they waste without realizing it. Here are a few tips if followed can really make a difference in your miles per gallon. But first lets look at what a difference of 2 miles per gallon can do for you financially. If you drive an average of 100 miles per day and the vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon. With gas approaching $4.00 a gallon that would be 4 gallons per day at a cost of $16.00 daily x 30 days would be $480.00 month. An annual cost of $5760.00 is a scary thought . Looking at this example you will purchase 1442 gallons of fuel per year. With an increase of 2 miles per gallon you would have the ability to drive an additional 2884 miles . This would be a savings of 115 gallons of fuel at $4.00 a gallon would be $460.00 in your pocket . Even if you only increased your mileage by 1 mile per gallon you would save $230.00 annually. OK enough of the details of savings ! Now I will give you some pointers on how to increase your mileage .

• Tire Pressure
• Unnecessary weight
• Acceleration and Braking Habits
• Normal Maintenance

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can really effect mileage and should be checked weekly. If you don't believe me try to push a wheel barrow with low tires , same concept. Energy is used to overcome resistance. Tires should be inflated based on the vehicle not the tire. Every vehicle has a recommended tire inflation that's usually on a sticker on the drivers door jamb. Sometimes this is printed in the glove box. These tire pressures are researched by the manufacturer for best tire wear , mileage and safety. Many drivers will look at the tire and set inflation based on max pressure written on the tire. Tires are made for many models so always inflate to what the vehicle recommendation is. Max tire pressure is for when the vehicle is loaded to max capacity. Many passengers or pulling a trailer or loads on the top maybe during camping or a trip. A easy inexpensive tool to keep in the glove box is a tire pressure gauge. A basic stem gauge is fine. Basically you remove the tire cap push the gauge on and remove. A stem will come out of the top indicating pressure. If more air is needed a tire gauge for filling will be needed . Most gas stations have these gauges and fairly easy to use. You push down on the stem and squeeze the handle to add air. If you need to decrease the air pressure you push down until you hear air escaping and then recheck by pushing all the way down again. This will increase your mileage and help lengthen the service time of the tires. With tires costing from $500.00 to $1000.00 a set you will save more than fuel mileage.

Unnecessary Weight

This is a no brainer but I see it daily in our shop. Many drivers will have so much weight in the trunk with junk and inside the drivers compartment. Its like driving around with an extra passenger all the time. Get rid of all that junk in your trunk no pun intended. Don't cary snow chains in the summer . Don't leave that 50 pounds of dog food in there for a week. You know what Im talking about. Loose items in the drivers area is a severe safety issue. A can of soup in the back seat could kill you in a frontal impact at 60 mph. You ever been hit by a can of soup going 60. So get rid of all unnecessary weight it will help your mileage. Go push around an empty wheel barrow . Now add 50 lbs and tell me which you would rather push.

Acceleration and Braking Habits

Driving habits have a huge impact on fuel mileage. If you want to increase your mileage change your driving habits . Accelerating should be a gradual increase in speed not a drag race to the stop sign. today's vehicles are mostly fuel injected but carburetion has the same effect. Get in the habit of gradually coming up to speed. Don't stomp on the throttle to see how fast you can get up to speed. The harder and faster you push down the more fuel will be used. Prepare for stopping will also help fuel mileage. When you anticipate a stop coming let off the gas and coast to the stop. Don't keep your foot on the gas all the way to the stop sign and then stomp on the breaks to stop. All vehicles have what is referred to as engine braking. When you let off the throttle the vehicle will naturally slow down . This technique will also increase the life of your brakes. A typical brake job in a shop now will run between $200.00 - $300.00 depending on if the rotors will need resurfacing or replaced. If you like to stomp on the brakes at every stop sign you will need rotors. Using this technique will increase fuel mileage and save on shop labor.

Normal Maintenance

Normal maintenance actually saves in the long run. Worn spark plugs can effect fuel mileage by not getting a complete burn in the engine . Check your manufacturer for recommended spark plug intervals. I personally recommend plugs in a late model vehicle every 60,000 miles. Plugged air filters will severely effect fuel mileage . An annual brake inspection should be done for safety and to inspect for mechanical worthiness. A dragging brake can really effect fuel mileage. Tire rotations effect fuel mileage and the life of the tire and many tire shops do it for free. So you should have your tire rotated at least every 15000 miles or sooner.

So what did we learn?

• Keep you tires at proper inflation
• Get rid of all that crap in your car
• Don't be a lead foot and anticipate stopping
• Do regular maintenance when due

With the above example an increase of 4 miles per gallon is $920.00 annually over 10 years would put $9200.00 in your pocket !!!!!

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