How Can I Increase My Gas Mileage

Let's face it: with the days of $1-per-gallon gasoline well behind us, filling up your vehicle's tank can be painful. Short of permanently parking your car and taking up long-distance running, there's not much you can do to avoid costly trips to the gas station. However, there are some simple steps that will help ease the pain at the pump; just a few changes to your regular routine can add up to big savings in the long run and you'll never have to wonder how to increase your gas mileage again!

For example, it pays to make sure your vehicle is in great working order. Did you know that properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by up to 3 percent? A clean air filter can be even more beneficial; when air is properly circulating through your engine, you can gain several miles per gallon. Regular oil changes also help your car run better - there are also different types of motor oil that could boost your engine's performance.

Secondly, don't keep a lot of junk in your car! Driving around with an extra 100 pounds of weight can reduce your fuel efficiency by about 2 percent. Here are just a few items that can go:

• Any bags/or backpacks that aren't neccesary
• Live on the edge...remove the spare tire, jack and anything else related to the spare. All of these tools which allow you to change a flat tire can add up to quite a lot weight. If you do get a flat give AAA a call and they'll put a temp tire on for ya.
• Get smaller tires. The larger the tires the more weight. Large tires have large rims and more rubber which drastically increases the amount of extra weight

Thirdly, change your driving habits. The following tips can really help you increase your gas mileage. Avoid rapid accelerating or sudden stopping - drive gently! The harder your engine works, the more fuel it needs to function. Also, before you leave the house, plan your route to finish all your errands without any unnecessary miles. Several short trips, which force your engine to heat up and cool down repeatedly, are estimated to be twice as hard on your car as one trip of the same distance, in which your engine stays warm and ready. Consider combining chores; for example, if your grocery store sells stamps, you can eliminate a stop at the post office. And, of course, SLOW DOWN! Fuel economy drops off above 60 miles per hour, so follow the speed limit and watch your MPGs improve.

You can also bargain hunt for the cheapest gas. Websites like Gasbuddy.com track, in real time, which fuel stations have the best prices. You never know; going just a few hundred yards out of your way could mean a dramatic discount!

Lastly, if you want to see real savings at the pump, apply for the Discover® Open Road Card. Not only is there no annual fee and an amazing 0 percent introductory interest rate, card members earn a 5 percent cash-back bonus on almost every vehicle-related purchase, including gas, maintenance - even car washes! (Not to mention the 1 percent cash-back reward on all other purchases.) You're going to spend money on your vehicle, anyway - why not save some cash and earn bonuses while you're at it?