Video:Top Tips for Increasing Gas Mileage

Transcript:Top Tips for Increasing Gas Mileage

Hi, I'm Patrick Gilmore with About.com. Today, I'm going to give you some useful tips you can use to increase your gas mileage down the road and help alleviate some of your pains at the pump.

Drive Efficiently to Save Fuel

The easiest way to reduce fuel usage is to drive more efficiently. For instance, cutting back on aggressive driving like speeding, rapidly accelerating and excessively braking, can increase your gas mileage by up to 33 percent on the highway, and about 5 percent around town.

Obey the Speed Limit

Although each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speeds, your mileage usually decreases significantly at speeds over 50 mph. So obeying the speed limit is not only a safe way to drive for yourself, but also for your fuel usage.

Keep Proper Tire Pressure

Make sure you keep all your tires properly inflated by checking them with a tire pressure gauge. You can increase your mileage by up to 3.3 percent if you make sure that all of your tires are properly inflated. You can usually find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle in your driver's side door jamb, in your glove box, or in your owner's manual. Also, properly inflated tires tend to last longer.

Remove Excess Weight

Removing excess weight from your vehicle is another easy way to increase your mileage. Try to avoid leaving any unnecessary items in your car, especially the heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs can reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent.

Avoid Rush Hour

Another easy way to reduce fuel usage is during your commute. Try to avoid peak rush hours so you aren't stuck in traffic for long periods of time. Also, consider using public transit or car-pooling programs, and for shorter trips, consider just using a bike or walking.

Purchase a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Last but not least, you can always purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Choosing the right vehicle is the most important fuel economy decision you can make. The difference between a vehicle that gets 20 mpg and 30 mpg can be up to $1000 annually, assuming you're driving 15,000 miles a year and that gas prices are about $4.00 a gallon.

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