by Rex Trulove

Created on: July 22, 2007   Last Updated: July 24, 2008

Gas prices are going through the roof, and it doesn't look like they are coming down any time soon, regardless of what the government does. However, we should have always been aware and done what we could to increase gas mileage. It isn't just more cost effective, it lessens the amount of pollutants released into the environment.

The average car on the road burns more gasoline than they need to, and at the price of gas, this is taking a huge chunk out of the average consumers pocketbook. The good news is that it doesn't really take all that much to increase your gas mileage, and most of it can be done without the help of a mechanic. Let's look at the various things that can increase your gas mileage.

1. Tire Inflation - How many people actually check the pressure of the air in their tires? Yet, this is one of the biggest causes of gas guzzling that there is. A tire that is 5 pounds under inflated may not even look low, but can cause well over a 10% decrease in gas mileage. It is advisable to check the pressure in your tires at least once a month, more often if you travel a lot. Check the tire sidewall for the proper operating pressure. As a rule of thumb, this is usually 32 psi (pounds per square inch). Even a very cheap pressure gauge from the supermarket will usually give you a pretty good idea of whether the tire is deflated or not.

Note that the car will also handle better if the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.

2. Air Cleaner - If the air cleaner becomes clogged, and this is something that can't necessarily be determined just by inspection, it results in an overly rich gas to air mixture, which means incomplete combustion. This will burn fuel faster to achieve the same amount of power in a clean engine, it will foul the air in he form of pollution, and it can cause fouling of he spark plugs or other damage that may be costly to repair.

3. Additional weight - The more weight a car must carry, the more gasoline it will take to move it along the road. This may seem overly simple, but most people carry non-necessary items in their cars, that simply add to the over all weight. On a long distance trip, even 10 pounds can be a substantial amount in additional gas consumption. Take things that are necessary on any trip, but remove those things that "might" be useful. Chances are that they will only cost you money in gasoline.

4. Windows vs. Air Conditioning - Many people have been told by well meaning individuals that running the Air Conditioner will result

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