How can I Boost my Gas Mileage?

If you are like most drivers, you are probably looking for a way to boost your gas mileage and save money. While driving less may seem like an obvious answer, the truth is that there are many little things you can do to boost your gas mileage without reducing your time behind the wheel. Here are just some examples to get you started.

• Gas evaporates. While this may not come as a big surprise, many people do not take the minimum steps needed to counteract this. For example, tightening the gas cap goes a long way to boost your gas mileage, while parking in the sun for long periods of time contributes to evaporation.
• The easiest thing you can do to boost your gas mileage is to pump up your tires. Low pressure puts a lot of stress on your car, forcing the engine to work harder and thus spending up to 18 percent more gas.
• Do regular maintenance on your car. Tuning up your engine, cleaning clogged air filters, and changing the oil frequently will make a vehicle run more efficiently, and boost your gas mileage.
• Another good way to boost your gas mileage without even noticing it is to clean up your trunk. Excess weight creates pressure on your tires, again forcing the engine to work harder. Do you really need to keep toys, bags, and tools in the trunk? Review the contents of your trunk and take away anything you don't need.
• Mix 2 oz (59 ml) of acetone per 5 gallons (19 liters) of gas in your tank for a chemical boost that can reduce your gas usage by up to 27 percent.
• Finally, limit the use of your air conditioning system to boost your gas mileage by up to 23 percent. In mild weather, open the windows, or alternate between using the AC and the car vents.

Smart drivers will tell you that walking more is also a great solution. If you are going less than five minutes and are not carrying any heavy bags with you, do you really need to take your car? Think twice before powering up and you can save hundreds of dollars a year in gas.