Five Driving Tips to Save at the Pump: MPG Mistakes

September 6, 2012 3:26 pm CT

Whether you are going on a road trip or on your daily commute, make less stops at the gas station and save yourself some money and preserve our environment!

Five Vehicle Mistakes That Hurt MPG:

1. Low tire pressure. When tire pressure is low, your car has to work harder to turn the wheels.
2. Using roof ornaments. Many of these ornaments are cute, but create wind resistance.
3. Carrying extra junk in the trunk. The added weight can significantly impact fuel economy.
4. Ignoring the “check engine” light. Something may be wrong that is affecting fuel economy – be sure to have your vehicle checked whenever the light comes on.
5. Not bundling errands. An engine at operating temperature is up to 50 percent more efficient than a cold engine. So, when possible, it’s much better to run five errands in an afternoon, than running one errand every day of the week.

Be skeptical about any gizmo that promises to improve your gas mileage. The EPA has tested supposed gas-saving devices – including “mixture enhancers” and fuel line magnets – and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits. The devices that did work provided only a slight improvement in gas mileage. In fact, some products may damage your car’s engine or cause a substantial increase in exhaust emissions. For a full list of tested products, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm

Source: GM News