Boost Gas Mileage #2 - More Great Ideas To Stretch Your Fuel Budget

It seems that gas prices hit a new all-time high each week, and the effect on your pocketbook sure is devastating. If you're not ready to trade in that full-size SUV or sedan for a much smaller car and are looking for ways to squeeze more miles from each gallon of gas, you may want to read on. There are still many more things you can do to fight the rising cost of gasoline.

Use synthetic oil.

Rather than waste money on fraudulent and ineffective fuel-saving devices, using synthetic lubricants (engine oil, differential lubricant, etc.) in your car can have a very positive impact on gas mileage. According to a major synthetic oil manufacturer's advertising, unverified customer reports show mileage gains of 4% to 24% after switching to synthetic lubricants. With a mileage increase of just 4%, you would probably more than break even in 15,000 miles (one average year). And there's a bonus: much less wear and tear on your engine and less frequent oil changes! Cha-Ching!

Get rid of extra weight in your car.

Here's an easy one - unload all that extra weight in your car and get about 1% - 2% more MPG for each 100 pounds, you lose. Of course, the savings is more dramatic for smaller cars, but every penny counts. Remove tool boxes, your mother in-law, books for Goodwill (have them come and collect your donations), golf clubs, etc., etc. Folks, this one is practically a freebee!

Don't use the air conditioning in town.

Can you take a little extra heat this year? If you're cruising in the city, studies have shown that rolling down the windows and shutting off the a/c will definitely save gas. But, when driving on the highway, rolling down the windows creates more aerodynamic drag, using more gas in the process than rolling the windows up and turning on the a/c. Try to plan around-town trips in the evening or early morning when it's cooler outside.

By Dan Morton