Green Driving Tips To Improve Your Gas Mileage This Summer

By Anthony Alaniz

Anthony Alaniz

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Anthony is a contributor to many sites throughout the High Gear Media network, focusing most of his attention on automotive technology and gadgetry... More

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1,853 views Jul 8, 2010

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Gas pump

While the July Fourth holiday weekend has ended, many Americans still have a hefty amount of summer travel ahead.  

With gas prices slowly inching toward $3 a gallon, many of us who don’t have the luxury of owning a fuel-sipping hybrid vehicle are looking for simple ways to save some extra cash at the pumps.

There are still many ways to stretch every last mile out of your gasoline tank. One of the biggest things you can do to improve fuel economy is to drive smart:

• Avoid driving aggressively around town and on longer highway trips.
• Follow the speed limit; the higher your speed, the more fuel you use.  
• Use your car’s cruise control and overdrive, if so equipped; both are designed to help improve gas mileage.  
• Don’t let your vehicle idle for more than 30 seconds.  Beyond that, it uses more gas than it will to start the engine.

Maintenance is also key to improving fuel economy:

• Following the scheduled maintenance intervals for your vehicle.
• Properly inflate the tires before long trips, which can increase fuel economy by 3 percent alone.
• Move to an “Energy Conserving” motor oil to improve engine efficiency.
• Don’t forget to replace dirty or damaged air filters, as they can create a higher load on the engine and decrease gas mileage.

Eliminating wind resistance and weight from the vehicle allows the car better mobility while driving.  Close the windows and use the air conditioner while traveling at highway speeds, to reduce aerodynamic drag and use less fuel. 

To get the most bang for your buck at the pump, fill up your car in the morning--when the gasoline is cooler and hence denser.  Gas pumps measure gas by volume, not by density.  You technically get a touch more fuel for your money.

So while you pack the luggage into the trunk and the kids into the back seat, remember: There are simple and easy ways to save at the gas pump.