Here are 14 Ways to Increase Gas Mileage
Which Saves You Money

These are some great ways to increase gas mileage. They are from The Tennessean, which is the local newspaper in Nashville, TN. I just had to share them with you.

Clean your air filter: The Car Care Council of America says replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can increase gas mileage by 2 miles per gallon. A dirty, clogged air filter makes a car's engine work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency.

Ditch the roof rack: According to Consumer Reports, carrying anything on top of your car, including an empty roof rack, decreases gas mileage. That is because at highway speeds, more than half of an engine’s power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. When Consumer Reports put a large car-top carrier on a Camry, the car’s gas mileage dropped from 35 mpg to 29 at 65 miles per hour.

Use cruise control: A recent study by Edmunds.com showed that regular use of cruise control could save an average of 7 percent and as much 14 percent in gas costs. I also like this way to increase gas mileage.

Slow down: While it is not realistic to drive 55 mph on 70 mph highways, it is possible to raise your right foot just a little. Edmunds.com showed an average savings of 12 percent for drivers who dropped from 75 mph to 65 mph. And the savings could be even more significant on a long trip. I love this way to increase gas mileage.

Get a Tune Up: Today’s cars are designed to run efficiently, but they need a little TLC now and then. Government studies show that a properly tuned engine can save more than 4 percent in gas costs compared to one that’s not tuned up.

Avoid idling: If you're going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the car. Not idling can save as much as 19 percent, according to Edmunds.com, which should be plenty of incentive to skip the drive-through lanes. By: Ric Feld / Associated Press

Just park it: Park in the first space you see. Driving around looking for a closer space wastes gas unnecessarily, so park as soon as you find an open space.

Don't top off: When you buy gas, don’t top off. Adding a bit more gas once the pump has stopped not only contributes to ozone pollution, but also increases the risk of gas sloshing out, which is like throwing money away. By: Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

According to the Car Care Council, a loose gas cap allows gas to evaporate, which can lead to losing two miles for every gallon of gas. So after every fill up, be sure to give that cap one final turn.

Use air conditioning wisely: Make the most of the air--and air conditioning. While air-conditioning burns gas, many experts believe it is more fuel efficient to use air conditioning at speeds over 45 mph compared to keeping the windows rolled down, which causes wind drag. When driving in stop-and-go traffic and at non-highway speeds, it is more fuel efficient to keep the windows open and let the breeze help keep you cool.

Don’t drive aggressively: A gas conservation study conducted by Edmunds.com found that you could increase gas milease an average of 31 percent and as much as 37 percent by chilling out.

Accelerate slowly: Gas is consumed more quickly during hard acceleration, so you will improve your mileage by easing up to speed rather than jamming the accelerator when a light turns green. And conversely, let up on the gas a few blocks before you reach a red light and it may be green by the time you get there. By: Larry McCormack/The Tennessean

Empty your trunk: If your trunk is full of junk, clear it out. Extra weight in the trunk makes a car less fuel-efficient, especially on inclines.

Check tire pressure: Proper tire inflation can increase fuel efficiency by about 3 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Check your tires (or your owner’s manual) for the recommended tire pressure and then use a gauge to hit that number. Conduct checks monthly, especially in very hot or very cold weather.

Try some of these ways to increase your gas mileage!