how-to: get the best gas mileage

Regardless of whether you have a hybrid vehicle, simple smart driving tactics and auto maintenance can vastly help reduce how much gas you use in a given commute. Check out the FTC's page here on their tips to improve mileage. Some of our favorites are below.

• Drive gently. Speeds above 60 mph and "jackrabbit" starts and stops use a lot of fuel. Look ahead in traffic and anticipate how fast you can actually go. There's no use in cutting someone off if you'll have to come to a near complete stop just a half mile ahead.
• Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
• Pack light. Avoid carrying unecessary weight in your vehicle. (This is another great excuse to keep your car neat and organized.) Particularly avoid packing things on top of your car, as the added wind resistance decreases fuel economy.
• Maintain your auto! Keep your engine tuned, tires inflated, oil changed, and filters clean. A properly maintained car can have approximately 15-20% better mileage than a poorly maintained one.

Also, be sure to check out FuelEconomy.gov, a site dedicated to teaching the consumer about everything fuel-ish, from the best local gas prices to explanations on alternatively fueled vehicles.

Technorati tags: fuel efficiency, gas mileage, saving gas

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