We are all guilty of some habits that waste gasoline.



Over a period of time even small improvements in mpg can add up to significant fuel savings.

Are you driving cost efficiently or are your driving habits wasting gas?

Before starting on a program of improving gas efficiency, it is important to know how many miles per gallon (mpg) each car you own is currently getting.

Mpg can be calculated simply by dividing the miles driven between fill-ups by the gallons of gas purchased. Topping off each fill-up and averaging over several fill-ups gives a more accurate calculation.

For cars with low mpg it is more important to look for ways to get the best efficiency possible.

When was the last time you had your car's performance checked? Seriously consider the benefits that may be gained by correcting problems you have been putting off. A properly working car will always produce the best fuel economy.

Dirty fuel injectors, dragging brakes, inefficient or excessive use of the air conditioner, overheating, dirty air and fuel filters, etc. can cause minor or major loss of fuel efficiency.

Driving habits can cause a higher amount of gasoline to be used.

Some very simple examples of ways to save gas are:

1) Remove all excess weight from the vehicle. There is no need to carry items that you may use occasionally.

2) Reduce the number of trips by combining purposes.

3) Schedule trips to avoid traffic delays.

4) Schedule trips when it's cool to avoid turning on the air conditioner.

5) Turn off the engine when there will be a delay of more than 30 seconds.

6) Avoid jack rabbit starts and speeding.

7) Be more observant of driving patterns.

Most gas today is considered acceptable for most cars. However, some of the additives in one brand may be better or worse for a particular car. Always check mpg when you switch to a different brand.

It is wise to shop for low prices; however, do a quick calculation on the cost of driving several miles to save a few cents per gallon. It may actually be cheaper to pay the extra cost than to burn the fuel to drive the extra miles.

Getting low priced gasoline may be a moral victory but, before deciding to drive several miles to save a few cents per gallon, be sure that you will actually save money.

Saving gas need not be an all consuming endeavor, simply being more aware of how our driving habits affect our mpg will reduce some of the waste we are generating. This will result in gas savings.

After implementing the above recommendations, I went one step further.

I now add a fuel reformulator to my gas resulting in a significant improvement in my fuel economy.

New products that not only improve fuel efficiency, but also reduce engine wear and burn more cleanly, are available.

Fuel additives have always been available. But,

what once was a step few took, is now a sound practice both economically and environmentally.

To read additional articles, news and information related to finding more methods, tips and ideas for achieving your car's best fuel efficiency, visit http://www.thebestfueleconomy.com.