G2G with MPG: Simple Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Even though gas prices are still very low around the country, a trip to the pump probably isn’t your favorite thing to do behind the wheel. Filling up your tank can be disheartening, especially when you need to do it frequently. To ease the burden, you might want to try to stretch your gas further with some miles-per-gallon-increasing strategies.

Keep It Clean

According to Bankrate, one way car owners can make their tank stay full longer is by making some aftermarket changes to it.

Air flow is important to your car and how well it runs. As you might guess, a dirty air filter doesn’t allow for the greatest air flow. Additionally, your mass air flow sensor, which detects how much air is entering the engine, should also be kept clean. The amount of air in the engine determines how much fuel should be injected and also affects the ignition and transmission shifting functions. A dirty one will read information incorrectly and cause your car to use more fuel than is necessary.

To counteract both of these issues, you’ll need to keep an eye on both of these devices and change them when they’re too dirty to operate correctly. Luckily, these fixes are fairly simple, and you should be able to do them yourself.

Another easy fix you can make is changing your tires. Your tires are one of the most important factors in fuel economy. If your tires are underinflated or overinflated, they may force your car to use more energy during your everyday trips. Be sure to check this and adjust the air as needed.

It’s important to know that this problem can affect more than just your MPG. Improperly inflated tires are a safety hazard, as they can increase the chances of a blown tire.

Breaking Bad…Driving Habits

Bad driving habits are common and can be seen on any average drive to work or the grocery store. Chances are, you can identify them in other drivers and you have adopted some of them yourself. But some habits can not only decrease your safety on the road, but also reduce the number of miles you’ll get out of your tank of gas.

The next time you’re stopped at a red light, pay attention to how you accelerate when it turns green. If you’re taking off too strongly, you’re likely burning more gas than is necessary. Accelerate gradually to save fuel.

Alternatively, if you approach red lights and stop signs a little too quickly, you are probably braking harder than you need to. This also increases fuel consumption. Pay attention to your surroundings and stay alert to the next time you’ll need to come to a stop. By preparing early and slowing down gradually, you’ll be able to stretch your miles further.

Speeding is another way to drain your tank quickly and with little reward. According to LifeHacker, on shorter trips, the time savings is hardly worth it. For example, on a 15-mile trip where the speed limit is 55 mph, you’ll save a grand total of 2 ½ minutes by driving 65 mph.

If you’re prone to road rage, try to make a greater effort to stay calm on the road. Angry drivers tend to drive faster, brake harder and accelerate quicker, Money Talks News reported. Find a way to stay relaxed so you don’t slide back into bad habits.

Driving is often a necessary part of life, as are regular trips to the gas station. However, you can save money and reduce the number of trips you need to take by educating yourself on how to get the best mileage possible.