Tips for getting better gas mileage

With all the talk of new, fuel-efficient vehicles, those of us who are still driving our regular old cars might feel left out. But there are still ways we can help save gas -- and money -- by making relatively simple adjustments to our cars and driving habits.

Change the air filter. The air filter is a crucial component to minimizing fuel use and maximizing horsepower. Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts, says it takes an engine about 10,000 gallons of air to combust one gallon of gas. So it makes sense, then, that the easier it is for the air to get through, the more efficiently the engine will run. Air filters should be replaced every 7,500 miles, or according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Check tire pressure. We've talked about proper tire pressure before, but it's still worth mentioning. Gregory says that every pound per-square-inch that a tire is under-inflated results in a six-percent loss in fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires fall within the recommended psi, printed on the sidewall.

Reduce idling. Plan trips to avoid peak traffic times. Going to the drive-thru? Go a little early (or late) to avoid sitting in line. And skip the long warm-up period in the morning. With the exception of extreme cold, most cars and trucks need only 30 to 45 seconds to warm up.

Lighten up. Fuel mileage is reduced by one mile per gallon for every 200 pounds of extra weight. Get rid of extra tires (except for the spare), bike or ski racks that aren't being used, toys, and other equipment that could weigh your car down.

Don't tailgate. Stop-and-go driving wreaks havoc on gas mileage. Accelerate slowly in crawling traffic and keep some distance. Then coast up to a stop instead of punching on the brakes.

Squeeze, don't punch. Practice slow, steady starts by imagining an egg underneath the accelerator pedal. Gregory says racing legend Jackie Stewart used this technique on the track.

Use the right gas. Check the owner's manual for the proper octane rating for your car. Using a lower grade than recommended can gum up fuel lines, reducing efficiency and increasing engine wear.

[Brak78102]

You left out something. Slow down!

Slowing down just 5 MPH can save gas too. Most cars get peak milage at 55MPH. Anything past that, and you're giving up a lot of fuel mileage to friction.

[JacqueShellaque]

Actually, this is a misconception. You get maximum fuel economy at the lowest speed befitting your highest gear (on the flat). For most cars, that's around 45 MPH.

[40list04]

Not Quite...

Indeed, checking tire pressure is important for both mileage and safety but the correct tire pressure is not to be found on the sidewall as stated. The vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure will be on a placard inside the driver's side door and inside the owner's manual. All that appears on the tire is the absolute maximum "just short of exploding" inflation pressure which will never be the recommended "normal" pressure. This pressure is often a bit lower than optimal and many manufacturers do this to give a softer ride. A slightly higher pressure will usually be optimum for handling and mileage but one must be willing to experiment to find the right pressure for a given brand of tires on a given vehicle. Checking pressure weekly is a great idea and with a proper gauge it only takes a few minutes.

The egg and accelerator pedal recommendation makes far more sense if the egg were between the driver's foot and the pedal. The idea is to be gentle in all driver inputs. This includes braking and is especially important for those living in icy climes. The original recommendation can probably be traced back to Tom McCahill, an automotive writer of note in the 40s, 50s, and 60s.

As for using the right gas, "lower grade" fuel merely means that the octane rating of the fuel is less than recommended and is has nothing at all to do with gumming up fuel lines. In old carbeurated vehicles lower-than-required octane was extremely bad since it would lead to detonation which, in turn, lead to engine damage. Modern fuel-injected vehicles are able to essentially de-tune themselves to accommodate the lower-grade fuel. This causes the engine to put out less power than it might but should never cause engine damage. Unless one is doing driving that mandates absolute peak engine power using a lower grade will hurt nothing and will probably save you $0.10 per gallon.

[Rick Cavaretti]

Another tip

They mentioned it in the story...about lightening up. It takes energy to move
mass. How wasteful. Think about this at your next car purchase. Think long
term and look at the big picture.

[b_baggins]

I've got an even better suggestion

Pressure congress to open up the vast oil reserves off Alaska, in the gulf and the
Atlantic Continental Shelf. Ease regulations on building new refineries.

Then get educated and realize that carbon dioxide is a nutrient and not a
pollutant and stop feeling guilty because some self-righteous morally superior
environmentalist autocrat wants to be the only one who can drive a car.

[Rick Cavaretti]

Ah buddy, the illustrious Republican Party has already rubber stamped the story. They are no longer in denial. Both President Bush and Rice, in separate speeches, have come out and said 'it is due to man's activity'. Check MSNBC for the August speeches. There's no reason to tow the party line anymore, they've changed the story. It is O.K. to loose face now and then.

[newgun2000]

Sorry Rush Limblau I don't share the same view that you do

[Brak78102]

It's amazing how the simplest things can be turned into politics.

[Chester87]

All good advice, but I think the 7500 mile air filter replacement interval is overkill. My manual recommends every 30,000 miles, and many other cars are similar. Unless you spend all day driving on dirt roads, 30k miles should be often enough.

400,000 miles of driving.