by M.R. A. Swartz

Created on: April 29, 2008

How to Boost MPG on your current vehicle

Everyone wants a new car that gets better gas mileage. The new Hybrids by Ford offer up to 50-60 mpg but also tack on around $5-6,000 to the base vehicle price. Chevy's new Volt, a fully' electric car with Hybrid features, is promising a 40 mile range completely independent of gasoline fuel. Set for release in 2012, the Volt was originally in the $30k price range but now is hovering around $40-50k. These new advances in technology save the American foot from the bear trap that is gas prices, but are they even worth the money yet?

You may be a tree hugger or you may not care one bit about the environment, but you do care about your pocketbook when you pull up to the pump. If prices are set to stay in the range of $3.50-4.50 during the summer, how can you stretch your mpg and get there less often?

A number of techniques can help you increase the mpg on your current vehicle, whether you are driving a Prius or a Suburban. These tactics can help your car gain an additional 5-20 mpg for an experienced driver. Not every method is practical at all times when driving but keeping them in mind on long trips or in everyday driving can be very beneficial.

The easiest way to save gas is on unnecessary acceleration. Many people fall into a habit of driving a certain way, and just being conscious of it can help you increase your mpg. Everyone knows that you get better gas mileage on the highway than in the city; this is from frequent stops such as traffic lights. When approaching a red light, start to break slowly and much further back, then coast your car to the point at which you would like to stop. Many people don't realize that pressing the break hard uses gas just as much as pressing the accelerator pedal. When the light turns green, slowly speed up while trying to keep the vehicle rpm's below 2000. Keep a good 3-car length distance between you and others in front, so that frequent breaking ahead will not affect your speed. Keeping your eye on what is going on ahead can let you drive defensively to stops.

Another easy way that falls in the bracket of habit drivers is speed. A speed limit is there for a reason, safety. But it can also be there for your fuel tank. On the highway drive 60-65mph or so to keep your rpm under 2000. Also on the freeway it is best to keep all windows up and remove things like outer flags from your vehicle, which will case unnecessary wind resistance. There are so many small ways to increase your cars range and by adding them all together, you make a difference.

One of the most important things you can remember is taking good care of your vehicle. Regularly check your oil, keep your engine in top tune, and make sure your rolling on a good set of tires, which are properly inflated. Many people don't realize that keeping your mpg high is a healthy combination of the way you take care of your car and the way you drive your car. Keeping all these tips in mind can boost your mpg and keep you away from that fueling station this summer.

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