No matter what kind of car you have, you could still be using more gas than you think — even with electric cars! Yep! So, if you absolutely must savor every last drop of fuel more than you do your coffee, or perhaps even your life, follow these 15 uber-advanced tips that will squeeze your mpg and fuel gauge up for as long as possible.
Keep Your Speed In Check
Flying down the interstate at 90 miles per hour isn't helping you any when it comes to gas milage. Cruising the speed limit, which was set with fuel efficiency in mind, helps put your engine in its most efficient operating state.
Keep An Eye On Your Tire Pressure
If your tires aren't inflated to the proper levels, you risk enduring rolling resistance, which can drastically increase fuel consumption. Remember to check your levels every month or two, especially during the colder months.
Don’t Top Off The Tank
A gallon of gas usually weighs around 8 pounds, so keep that in mind next time you are fueling up. The less weight your car is carrying will result in better fuel economy.
Lay Off The Gas Pedal
There's no reason to put the pedal to the metal after that stoplight. More acceleration equals more energy. Swallow your pride and gradually bring yourself up to speed.
Clean Out Your Trunk
Added weight equals poor fuel economy, it's that simple. The extra weight can also cause balance problems which will cause you to slow down on turns, which costs more fuel over time.
Find An App
There are quite a few apps out there that help you monitor your fuel economy. Many apps use GPS to read your car's position and beep when you are speeding, braking too fast and accelerating too quickly.
Take Advantage Of The Cruise Control
Unless you have a really steady foot, you are most likely varying speeds while you drive which causes you to overuse your engine and as a result gas when you don't really need to. The cruise control can help keep your throttle steady and consistent.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Make sure that all your filters are clean and your sensors are working properly. If anything gets clogged or dirty, they can cause your car to run inefficiently.
Cut Back On The A/C
Running the air conditioner will cause extra strain on your engine, since it's putting out more to run the car and the a/c compressor together. It may be uncomfortable while driving, but it will save you money at the pump.
Place A Panel Under Your Car
There are tons of nooks and crannies underneath your car that will car drag. Having a smooth panel covering them up will reduce this drag.
Cover All The Gaps
Go all out and cover every gap on your car that can take air in. Reducing the turbulence and drag from these gaps will result in better MPGs.
Don’t Believe The MPG Ratings
These numbers are often manipulated by the manufacturer and don't tell you the truth about how much you will spend in gas. There are simple formulas that you can find online to help you calculate your REAL spendings.
Cover Up The Wheels
Your wheels are one of the worst places on your car that create drag. Covering them up will almost instantly boost the performance of your car.
Use Quality Gasoline
All gas is pretty much the same, except for the detergent that each grade uses. You are more likely to develop issues over the long run if you constantly use the cheaper fuels.
Idle When In Traffic
If you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic that isn't moving anytime soon, use the Auto Stop-Start button if you have one. This can wear out certain parts on your car faster, but it could save you money at the pump — it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.
