Saving money doesn’t always come in the form of spending less, it can also mean making the most of what you already have. This includes the gas in your car. One of the biggest expenses for people is usually gas for their car. I have found some great tips to improve your MPG (miles per gallon) without having to change your driving style and one big tip that does require you to change your driving style. Data I used is from fueleconomy.gov. Here they are:

1. Keep your engine properly tuned – Making sure your car is properly tuned is key to getting maximum milage per gallon. Failing an emissions test is one example of how you know your car is not performing at top capacity. This can improve your MPG by 4%.
2. Keep tires inflated to suggested PSI – One of the easiest ways to improve your gas milage is by keeping your tires properly inflated. Generally, your tire will have its recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) on the tire wall. Under-inflation causes your engine to have to work harder and uses more gas. Note: if you have been driving for a while, your PSI will be higher than normal when you test it because the tire is hot and air expands when heated. Wait till the tires cool down for a more accurate reading. This can improve your MPG by 3%.
3. Using Proper Motor Oil – Depending on the type of car you have, you need to be using the proper motor oil. Some cars require 5w-30 and others require 5w-20. There are a few different types of motor oil to use, ask your auto technician or local gas station attendant for help. You don’t need to know what each grade of oil means, just which one to use. This can improve your MPG by 2%.
4. Drive More Efficiently – Your driving habits are the best way to improve your MPG. Aggressive drivers use much more gas than passive drivers. Accelerating quickly and then breaking over and over again is a huge gas waster. The best way to drive is called the feathering method. This means pretending there is an egg under your gas pedal and if you press too hard or too much, it will break. Try using the gas pedal as little as possible to get to the speed you need. It will take a little longer to accelerate but will save you a ton of money over time in gas. Also, using cruise control when possible is always recommended, especially on long trips. Cruise control basically uses as little gas as possible to maintain a constant speed.

For more information on driving more efficiently and improving your gas milage in general, visit this government automotive MPG site.