With vehicle fuel at all time highs, and no end in sight, it is wise to consider how to stretch a few more miles from each gallon. Many are considering newer more fuel efficient vehicles. While that is certainly one way to immediately increase miles per gallon, there are other extremely less expensive methods as well.

1. Be certain that your engine is running at top efficiency. Driving with a check engine light on has always been a bad idea. With current fuel prices it is tantamount to burning money. Misfiring spark plugs, bad oxygen sensors and even a bad engine thermostat can waste up to five miles per gallon.

2. Keep tires fully inflated to reduce rolling resistance. See out article on Tire Pressure to learn how to determine proper air pressure. If it’s time for tires consider one of the more energy efficient tires. Yes, Michelin has tires that actually roll easier and save fuel. Ask us for more information. These sometimes save one to two miles per gallon and are priced comparably with other models.

3. Switching to synthetic oil will often increase fuel mileage. Synthetic oil can lower internal resistance in an engine and result in lower fuel consumption. People have reported one to two miles per gallon increases.

4. One of the biggest wasters of fuel is also one of the easiest and lowest cost to correct. Driving habits will vary fuel mileage perhaps more than anything else. Quick acceleration, driving fast, powering up to stops and long idling periods all waste fuel. The old, “drive like there was an egg under the accelerator” is good advice. Just like it takes more energy for you to run across a room than to walk, the same with a vehicle.

By allowing ample time to reach your destination and driving slower, you will not only save a good deal of fuel, but wear and tear on the vehicle and your fellow motorist. Taking off more slowly, driving slower and coasting when possible can amount to 8 mpg or more on some vehicles. Driving 68 mph instead of 72 mph can reduce fuel consumption up to three miles per gallon.

Lastly, avoiding unneeded and especially short trips can save a great deal of fuel and vehicle wear and tear. Keeping a list of needed items, stocking up on commonly used items and planning ahead to combine trips can make a huge difference in fuel usage.