Tired of wasting time and money at the gas pump? I don’t blame you. After all, a typical American spends about $2,000 on gas every year.
Don’t be one of those Americans who spends thousands of dollars on gas. If you’re wondering how to get better gas mileage, here are 5 ways you can save fuel:
How To Get Better Gas Mileage
There are plenty of tips and tricks that’ll get your car running more efficiently. Luckily, learning how to get better MPG is simple, and will save you a ton of cash in the long run.
1. Watch Your Speed
Grandpa and grandma had the right idea all along–driving at or below the speed limit will help you conserve gas. When you start slowing down to snail speed, your gas mileage increases immediately. Cars burn more gas when they travel 60 miles per hour or more.
Other drivers might be irritated at your slow speed, but they’re the ones wasting their hard-earned cash. Plus, you definitely won’t get any speeding tickets. Next time your friends ask you why you’re driving so slow, just tell them you finally learned how to improve gas mileage.
2. Lighten Your Load
It’s time to take a look at all that junk in your trunk. No, seriously, open your car’s trunk and start taking things out. Anyone who knows how to increase gas mileage is aware that the extra weight in your trunk makes the engine have to exert itself even more.
Maybe you’re transporting gas or diesel fuel. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about carrying such heavy materials. But if you’re looking for secure diesel fuel tanks that won’t move during your drive, check out these diesel tanks for sale.
Carrying around clutter in a front wheel drive car can weigh down your car’s wheel axle. This makes it harder for your front wheels to get a good grip and decreases your gas mileage.
3. Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires may look like they’re full, but sometimes they’re running a bit low on air–having just slightly low tires can make you waste more gas. This is a result of the engine having to use more gas to make the car move.
Fill up your tires according to your owner’s manual. Even when your tires are under-inflated by 10 PSI, your car will waste at least 5 MPG.
4. Slow Down at Stops
When you see a red light or stop sign coming up, what do you do? If you accelerate until you reach the stop, you’re decreasing your gas mileage. However, if you take your foot off the gas pedal and just simply coast to the stop, you’ll save more money on fuel.
5. Replace Your Gas Cap Seal
You have been warned: learning how to increase MPG can involve mechanical work (but it’s easy).
Next time you’re at the pump, take a closer look at your gas cap seal. The rubber seal on your gas cap can deteriorate, which lets oxygen into the gas tank. When the engine takes gas from the tank, too much air leaks inside the engine–this excess air makes the engine use more gas.
You don’t have to be a mechanic to replace the rubber seal. It’s actually pretty easy. Better yet, you can get a brand new gas cap for only $20 or $30 from an auto parts store and dealership.
Save Gas and Money
Before you hit the road again, keep these techniques in mind. Knowing how to get better gas mileage will make your wallet much happier.
If you want more tips to make your life easier, check out our blog on lifehacks.