If you cant lower gas...then get better mileage!! Tips on how

 Before reading these I thought I knew every way to get better gas mileage while driving my car. But I actually learned several new ways also. So I figured I would share them with everyone assuming that everyone does not already know this information. There are plenty of websites you can get this information from also:

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/savinggas/a/13gassavings.htm

 http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/fuel-efficient/5.asp

http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/savinggas/a/savegas.htm

 http://www.hybridcars.com/gas-saving-tips.html

ENGINE WARM-UP

 Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

 Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.

Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE

. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.

. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.

. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.

. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.

. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.

. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.

. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.

. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.

EXTRA TIPS

Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)... Use graphite motor oil... Beware of oil additives, regardless of advertising claims... Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas fill-ups... Investigate fuel/water injection methods and products... combine short errands into one trip... Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines... convert your V8 engine over to a V4 - no special kits needed!!!

. Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"!

. On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.

. Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride.

. Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and bottlenecks.

. Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in one trip.

. If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour & other peak traffic periods.

. When bargain hunting, check newspaper ads and use your telephone. 

Do they deliver? Let them pay for the gas! Try mail order firms, too.

. Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.

. Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.

. Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling alone.

. Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.

. Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.

. Check to see if there are "self service" gas stations in your area.

. Don't speed. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph then at 70 mph.

. Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in time.

. When starting your car, don't idle it for more than 30 seconds, even in cold weather. Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.

. If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car. The engine os more fuel efficient if your turn it off and restart it.

. Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator.

. Keep tires properly inflated at all times. (Check pressure when cold).

. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the window.

. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.

. Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic lights.

. Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.

. Don't forget to release the emergency brake before pulling away.

. Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas, wears out cylinders.

. Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams, other delays.

. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.

. Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.

. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. That way you can't accidentally ride the brake and use excessive gas.

. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.

. Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking them. Don't wait.

. Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.

. Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increases resistance.

. Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs. (Small cars weighing half as much as large cars use about half as much gasoline!)

. Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning; power equipment such as window, door locks, etc.; automatic transmission, etc.

. In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.

. Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.

. When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!

. Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you weave back and forth, the farther your car has to travel and the more gas is consumed.

. Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.

. Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary because they make your car work harder and use more gasoline.

. When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel). Then coast down the other side.

. Keep wheels aligned for better mileage. Longer tire life, too. 45. Record all gas purchases for tax deduction purposes.

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