Eleven Ways to Save Gasoline and Improve Your Mileage

Turn off the Engine -- Sitting with the engine idling is one of the biggest gasoline wastes. Many people believe that letting the engine idle saves gas because your car uses more gas when you restart. The fact is that you will use the same amount of gas in less than 30 seconds with your engine running. Whenever possible, turn off the engine if you're be sitting for more than a few seconds. The increased activity won't effect your starter or battery either.

Change Your Air Filter -- Gasoline burns when combined with air. Your air filter inhibits the flow of air dramatically when it's dirty. Changing your oil also helped to engine run efficiently, preventing losses in gas mileage. Change your air filter every 10,000 miles, or about every other oil change.

Pump up Your Tires -- Increasing tire pressure results in lower resistance at higher speeds. It's subtle, but your gas mileage will improve. A good tire pressure is slightly over to the "recommended" range. At this pressure it won't reduce your ability to brake, and won't deteriorate your tires.

Turn off Your Air Conditioning when Sitting Still -- At low speeds running your air conditioner increases gas consumption. At high speeds if you must cool down, it's better to run the air conditioner then open the windows.

Reduce Your Weight -- Your car can be extremely heavy. Additionally many people use their cars to store things they use infrequently. You need a spare tire and a jack, a set of jumper cables, a warm blanket, and possibly a first aid kit. Besides that you need nothing else to keep yourself safe. Everything else should be eliminated except the things that you need for that individual trek. Gasoline also is very heavy, so driving with your tank less than full is more efficient. Consider filling up to three quarters if you have a large gas tank.

Reduce Drag -- Making your car as smooth as possible reduces wind resistance. This resistance affects your gas mileage. Keep your windows rolled up above 20 mph. Keep your car washed and waxed. Remove antennas when not in use. Remove anything from the car that could create air turbulence. Finally, fix dents in the bodywork.

Use Cruise Control -- Maintaining a constant speed saves gas. Your cruise control is much more effective than your foot at doing this.

Buy a Higher Mileage Vehicle -- buying a higher mileage vehicles or hybrid can personally save you lots of money, however if you're trying to save gas as a way of helping America or reduce dependency, this isn't effective. If you trade in your gas guzzling SUV on a Toyota Prius, some other guy is still driving around in your SUV. You're actually contributing to the energy problem.

#1 TIP -- Drive Less -- Most of our gasoline is used around town and commuting to work. Can you telecommute? Can you work 10 hours four days a week instead of eight hours five days a week? Organize your errands to make fewer trips and combine them with others. This one tip could save you as much as 25%. That's like reducing gasoline prices by more than a dollar.

Slow Down -- Many cars reach their maximum fuel efficiency at 45 mph. Whenever it's safe to do so, drive as close to 45 mph as you can. Every 10 mph over 45 has a dramatic impact. Large vehicles will reduce gas mileage by 50% at 75 mph. If you must drive faster than 45, make sure you're using cruise control.

Learn to Be a Smoother Driver -- Slow on the accelerator and easy on the brakes will save you gas, as well as maintenance expenses. Driving carefully, leaving lots of space between you and the vehicle in front of you and waiting patiently at stop signs and while merging can affect your mileage. Additionally, acceleration is when you experience the most wear and tear on your vehicle. Many people drive moving their foot back and forth between brake and accelerator. Allowing your car to coast by removing your foot early from the gas pedal saves fuel.