by Lisa Beach

Created on: July 30, 2008

Overall, people see getting better mileage as a losing battle, but it CAN be done. My car offered 24 mpg when I bought it, and I get 26 out of it by following my favorite seven tips. The great part is that they work whether you drive an SUV, Hummer, or zippy red sports car, and are easy to follow. I have put them in their order of importance, and given them titles you can remember. After all, what's the purpose of tips if you can't remember them? Here they are:

1. LARRY LEAD FOOT:
If this describes you, you are burning gas like there's no tomorrow. Your foot seems to be the one driving, not you it races and brakes, races and brakes, all in the name of getting some where faster than everyone else. You get to work faster, by getting on the highway faster; get that last parking space faster; you do everything faster, or so it seems. You tell yourself that faster means you beat everyone to the punch, and are more efficient because of it. Actually, all you are really doing faster, is burning gas.

And that is why you gasp at the money it takes to fill your tank. What once cost you a few bags of groceries, now costs you almost a month's rent, or darn close to it. Yes, gas prices fluctuate between astronomical, and "just too expensive". But giving up your lead foot will help in ANY economy. Wouldn't you LOVE to tell friends that you get 3 more miles per gallon than your car is purported to use? Well then kick your lead foot to the curb.

2. BORN TO BE WILD:
Are you the type driver who weaves in and out of traffic, zipping between cars, tailgating, or cussing drivers who don't get out of your way? How can you get anywhere if the world won't get with the program? Well say hello, because we've met before: I was one of the people you flipped off for driving the speed limit. You can zip in front of me, weave in and out; stop hard, then rush to the light, but I'll be at the same light only 2 cars behind you. AND [this is my favorite part], at the rate of speed I use, I hit the light just as it turns green! You've been sitting there while it's red.

3. CARRYING A HEAVY LOAD
Let's say you love your SUV, and don't want to give it up. You can somehow put up with the high price of gas, because you love your car, and will not ditch it, just because friends SAY you should. Here's an easy, doable tip for you.

Don't carry too much excess weight on a regular basis. Say you're an avid gardener, who regularly buys bags and bags of compost or gardening soil, large, heavy planters, even a mass

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>