Unless you can afford to buy a less-thirsty car, you may need to look in the mirror to see your best option for improving gas mileage.
Your own driving habits -- not technology -- can dramatically change the gas mileage you get, particularly when on the highway. Recent tests conducted by the staff of Edmunds.com, a popular automotive website, found that you can boost your gas mileage 10 percent to 38 percent by slowing down and driving less aggressively.
Here are 7 driving habits for successfully increasing your gas mileage -- and reducing your fuel costs at the pump:
Use cruise control. By setting cruise control for the flow of traffic, the Edmunds.com crew got a 15 percent improvement in mileage compared with aggressive lane changing.
Don't tailgate. Not only is it dangerous to drive close to the car ahead of you, the frequent braking and accelerating also decreases gas mileage.
Don't put luggage on top of the car. Roof-top luggage carriers are tempting for family vacations, but the increased air resistance cut gas mileage 21 percent in the Edmunds tests.
Avoid idling. When you sit with the motor running, you are getting 0 miles per gallon. Shut off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute.
Keep tires properly inflated. Check the pressure of your tires to ensure that they are not low on air. When your tire pressure is 25 percent less than recommended by the manufacturer, you can lose 3 percent to 5 percent in gas mileage, running up your fuel bill. To find the recommended pounds-per-square-inch, or PSI, for your tires, check the plaque on the driver's door, your owner's manual, or the sidewalls of your tires.
Be cautious. Don't fall for promotions on the Internet or elsewhere for devices or additives that promise big fuel savings. If those devices really worked, their promoters would have sold them to car companies instead of pitching them online.
When it comes time to replace your car or truck, look for a vehicle that offers mileage improvement while still meeting your needs. When you're ready to begin shopping, get preapproved for your auto loan at STCU.
