With today’s gas prices, it’s more important than ever to squeeze every nickel out of each gallon. Of course, you can shop around at the pump to find the best gas prices. But driving across town to save a few cents per gallon likely costs more in driving mileage than what you’d save. There are, however, several ways you can improve gas mileage without even leaving your driveway.

• Properly Inflate Your Tires. First on the list, ensure your tire pressure is set properly. Tire manufacturers rate tires for maximum pressures. But the tire manufacturer doesn’t know what make and model vehicle the tire will be installed on. Your vehicle’s manufacturer, on the other hand, knows the specifics for your car or truck. So, refer to your owner’s manual, and check your pressures with a tire pressure gauge. Then adjust your tire pressure to what the book says. Not only will your tires be properly inflated for handling and balance, they’ll also be optimized for fuel economy.
• Use a Fuel Additive. Fuel additives do a couple of things to keep your vehicle’s engine healthy. They can remove carbon deposits from fuel injectors and carburetors. They also clean your engine’s intake valves. In addition, they help reduce your engine’s carbon emissions. And in doing all of the above, your fuel burns more efficiently. Improving fuel efficiency is one way to improve gas mileage. Just be sure to use the right fuel additive for your vehicle’s make and model.
• Use a Smart GPS like Waze. Waze is an interactive GPS app you can install on your smartphone or tablet. It’s free. In addition to notifying you of police, construction, and road hazards ahead, it also detects traffic jams. When it sees a slowdown ahead, it automatically adjusts your route to the fastest path to your destination. Stop-and-go traffic and extended engine idling is bad for gas mileage. Improve gas mileage by taking the alternate route, even if it’s a few extra miles.
• Use the Right Motor Oil. The oil you use makes a difference. Synthetic oils are better than conventional oil, both for the environment and for your vehicle. Engine friction impacts your gas mileage. To improve gas mileage, reduce the friction by using the right synthetic oil for your make and model. One of the best brands is AMSOIL, which delivers 28% more acid-neutralizing power than Mobil 1. (Based upon independent testing from oil purchased in July 2020). Choose the right AMSOIL product for your vehicle.
• Refuel Your Vehicle in the Morning. In the morning, the gas station’s fuel tanks are usually at their coolest for the day. The density of liquid increases as it’s temperature decreases. Fuel actually expands as it gets warmer, decreasing its density. By filling your tank when gas is at a higher density (in the morning), you’re getting more fuel for your money. Yes, a gallon is a gallon. But as the fuel warms up, the gallon volume increases to be somewhat more than a gallon. It translates to a few extra cents-per-gallon savings by filling up in the morning with colder fuel.

You can increase engine efficiency and improve gas mileage without making changes to your vehicle or your daily routine. The end result is saving a few dollars at the pump. With gas prices soaring (in some places over $5 per gallon), every little bit helps.