Probably the best thing that you can do in this modern age to save gas is to buy a new Diesel. They last longer, get much better mileage and are not the old stinky, smoking vehicles that they were in the past. I currently have a VW Jetta Diesel that I wouldn't trade for all the gasoline powered cars out there.

Seriously though, there are a lot of things that you can do to improve mileage on any car whether it be gas, Diesel, or Hybrid.

One of the most important things is to keep the engine oil and filters changed regularly. Use good oil too. There is a big difference in oils and it is like the old adage, "You get what you pay for." Change your fuel and air filter regularly too.

Another thing that a lot of people don't think of concerning gas mileage is the fluid in your transmission and drive axles. If it gets sludgy and dirty, it takes more power to turn the transmission and rear end. Good regular servicing of your vehicle will do more for mileage than most any thing else.

Don't haul a bunch of junk that you don't need around with you. For instance in the summer, don't haul your heavy winter clothes around in the trunk or the back seat. Take them home, Wash them and put them in a bag to keep them clean and store them in the garage or a spare room. Those insulated clothes are heavier than you realize.

Keep good tires on your car and keep them aligned and balanced and properly inflated.
A low tire creates a drag that your engine has to overcome, making it use more gas.

Finally if you can afford it and want to there are a lot of good exhaust systems that will increase the mileage too as long as you don't sit and rev up the motor to hear the exhaust.

Of course if none of these do the trick for you, you can always get a bicycle or a good pair of walking or running shoes.

Learn more about this author, Bill Whitney.
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