Chrysler Repair: 99 Concorde/140 K miles: mpg/oil/brake light, push button switch, gas consumption

Question
1. 15 mpg in the city - how to improve ?
2. synthetic or standard hi-mileage oil ?
3. brake light comes on and off ?


Thanks - George

Answer
Hi George,
How are things going with the mpg?
Also may I ask a favor? I am competing to be 'volunteer of the month' at Allexperts which is based on nominations from questioners like yourself. If you would be so kind as the click on the "Thank/rate the expert" button below you will be taken to a page where the question "Would you like to nominate this expert to be 'volunteer of the month" is asked. If you will click on "Yes" that would be appreciated.
Roland

Hi George,
On the mpg, if you don't have any fault codes (get a free readout at an Autozone parts store), then things like checking tire pressure, feel the wheels after driving without using the brakes to see if and of the wheels is hot which would be caused by a dragging brake, using a light foot on the accelerator, coasting up to stop signs...all things that reduce gas consumption.
On the oil, if you aren't burning too much I would stick with conventional oils if that is what has been used in the past. If you are leaking or burning oil that hi-mileage might be worth it.
When you say comes on and off, I assume the brake light comes on even though you aren't stepping on the brake. If that is true then I would isplect the arm that carries the brake pedal to find a push button switch that is moved by the pedal and adust the position of the switch so that when the pedal is at rest it definitely pushes in the button on the switch.
Roland