The Secrets of Better Gas Mileage

Don't you get sick of having to stop and top off your tank every couple of days just because of your morning commute? Today's hybrids are saving people big bucks at the gas pump by all but doubling their gas mileage, but for those of us still driving around depending on fossil fuels the expense is a little bit higher. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that anyone can use to improve their gas mileage-no matter what type of car they're driving.

First and foremost, think of your car like an athlete. When an athlete's in good shape and their body is able to function at its peak they're going to be able to accomplish their usual daily tasks while expending a minimum of energy. If you want your car to operate with that same efficiency you're going to have to make sure you keep it in good working order. Regular tune-ups and oil changes, clean air filters and properly inflated tires will go a long way toward paving the road toward better gas mileage.

Secondly, take a look at your driving habits. Do you tend to drive too quickly? Let your car idle in your driveway while you run back inside for your cell phone? Spend too much time in rush hour traffic? Your driving habits have more of an impact on your gas mileage than you might think!

The secret to better gas mileage when you're on the road is to slow down and try to drive at a continuous speed. It takes more energy to speed up and slow down than it does to maintain a steady pace, which means you're wasting gas every time you get caught in stop and go traffic. Driving over 55 mph will also burn through your gas supply more quickly, and idling wastes gas that you could be putting to better use someplace else.

Whenever possible, avoid the temptation to take advantage of the climate control in your car. Running your air conditioner uses more gas than driving with the windows down (as you're undoubtedly aware if you live in the south where summer starts in April and burns straight through to September), and leaving your car idling while waiting for the heater to warm up the inside or the AC to cool things down before you get on the road puts a dent in your tank without ever setting a single tire on the road.

Finally, consider making your next car a hybrid. Yes, you can get better gas mileage using the techniques described above, but you may never come close to the mileage offered by a hybrid through its blend of electric and gas powered energy. (The Toyota Prius has been known to get more than 40 miles to the gallon on occasion.) While the initial investment in these cars is higher than the cost to buy a regular, fossil fuel powered vehicle you'll more than recover your investment when you consider what you're going to save in the long term at the gas pump.