With the rising cost of gas, increasing your gas milage, or making sure you get the most your car can provide is essential to getting great performance, and to saving money at the pump.
Change your air filter every 5000 miles.
Keep filters and catalytic converters clean. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption as much as 10% and studies have shown that 33% of all vehicles on the road are in need of a new air filter.
Dont warm up your car more then 30 seconds. Even at extermely cold temperatures, 30 seconds is all a car needs so long as you don't race away. Also make sure to drive the car a little slower then normal for the first few miles.
You can save up to 5% by removing extra stuff from your car, like roof racks, bike racks, etc
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your manufacturers specifications, or if you have specialty tires often times their websites will tell you, if its not listed directly on the tire itself. Typcailly for most sedans its 30-35 PSI. Having properly inflated tires can get you up to 10% better gas milage on average.
If you own a pick-up truck, remove your tailgate for any highway driving. Mythbusters did a special on this type of thing, and I was amazed that removing the tail gate provided better gas milage then the mesh, the cover, and anything else!
Avoid driving with an open sunroof or windows at highway speeds. It increases aerodynamic drag and wastes fuel
If you are going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds with the engine idling, shut it off. It takes more fuel to idle over 60 seconds than it does to start the car.
Make sure your front wheels are aligned properly. A misaligned front end increases fuel consumption
A fantastic tip used by truckers everywhere is to purchase gas on Indian reserves. You can buy gas at 25 - 40% discount because there are no taxes on gas on the reserves.
Use premium multi-grade oils to save up to 5% on your fuel consumption. Friction modified oils can improve your mileage. Use low viscosity oil in the winter, like SAE 5W30 or 10W30.
When your on the freeway, and your really not in any hury (no nagging spouse, screaming kids, late for work, etc) try driving slower and in the right lane. Traveling at 65 mph instead of 55 mph can waste 17% more fuel.
