With gas prices up nearly 50% since last year, you might be looking for ways to stretch your gas mileage.
Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of money upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle to do so, as small changes in your driving and vehicle maintenance habits can reduce your gas costs by at least a half buck per gallon, if not more.
Here's a look at eight tips provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, along with the estimated savings per gallon. All estimates assume a fuel price of $3.31 per gallon.
By following tips like these, you could save the equivalent of a monthly car payment over a year of driving, according to Jack Gillis, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America and author of "The Car Book."
1. Ease up>2. Avoid excessive idling
Newer vehicles have engines that automatically stop when you idle your car. The reason is to save fuel: Waiting at a red light takes an average of about 45 to 120 seconds, while starting your car>3. Remove excess weight from your car
"A lot of people carry salt and sand things in their trunk. It's kind of an old school way of coping with potential snowstorms or icy conditions," says Gillis.
But losing an extra 100 pounds stored in your vehicle will improve your miles per gallon by about 1%, based>4. Avoid storing cargo>5. Keep your engine properly tuned up
The short-term costs of properly maintaining your vehicle can improve your gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary depending>6. Make sure your tires are properly inflated
Tires lose pressure over time, so you should check and make sure they're properly inflated at least every month. To know your car's optimal PSI rating, check your manual or the sticker in the jamb of your driver's side door. It's usually in the 30 to 35 PSI range.
Under-inflated tires will lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop below your optimal PSI rating, and they can lower the lifespan of your tires.
Estimated savings: $0.02 per gallon
7. Use the recommended grade of motor oil
Buy a motor oil that matches your vehicle manufacturer's specifications and certification requirements, and change your oil according to the carmaker's recommendations, per Edmunds. By doing so, you can improve your gas mileage by 1% to 2%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Also, when buying motor oil, look for the words "Energy Conserving">8. Consider the EPA rating of your next car
Vehicles have come a long way when it comes to fuel efficiency, and you might notice the difference the next time you buy or lease a car. A vehicle with a good EPA rating will be 30 miles per gallon or more. Electric cars tend to have very good EPA ratings, with the Tesla Model S Long Range getting 111 miles per gallon, for example.
"If you are in the market for a new car," says Gillis, "this gas crisis is a perfect example of why you should pay attention to the EPA ratings when buying a car."
