Improve Your MPG Efficient and Inexpensive Modifications

Cheap Upgrades for Your Gas Mileage

Harry Lloyd

Squeeze out more mpg

Is it any surprise that sales of the more efficient vehicles have taken off since gas prices began their steady ascent? More drivers than ever are looking to get better gas mileage out of their vehicles.

You don't have to run out and buy a new hybrid to save money on gas. There are a few simple and cheap upgrades and replacement parts you can get to drive farther on less gas. You don't have to break your budget just to be more efficient, and some of these you might be kicking yourself for not knowing sooner.

First things first

The hands down best way to improve your driving efficiency is to drive efficiently! All the fancy expensive gadgets in the world can't help you if you have terribly inefficient driving habits. Some take time to develop, but others are very easy to start implementing.

The first habit to make is to lay off the gas. Don't drive like a 16 year old in a sports car, and learn to take it easy and be defensive. Don't accelerate when you see a red light, and coast down hills. Only use the gas when you have to, and avoid tailgating or other situations where you need to brake often.

Also don't let your car idle. It is no longer true that starting the car takes more gas than idling, so shut it off if you're not driving. This was only true of much older used cars. You also need to avoid using the air conditioning at all, and don't roll down the windows unless it's just too hot to bear.

Special modifications

There are a few inexpensive things you can buy that will increase your fuel efficiency considerably, and some are easy enough for anyone to install themselves.

Air filters are critical to your gas mileage, and are easily replaced. A discount filter can cost you around $20. You also need to keep on eye on how work your drive belt is, and replace it if it is not fitting correctly anymore.

Turning off the air conditioning helps out a lot, but it's going to leave you sweating for sure. You can beat the heat and increase your mpg with simple additions like heat blocking lightly tinted window film that costs you about $15. You should also look into beaded seat covers. They may look a little different, but they will definitely keep you cool.

Last but certainly not least, low resistance rolling tires are a new type of tire that reduces the amount of energy normally lost to heat and friction. They do not cost much more than a regular set of tires and also do not hinder a car's performance very much. They are said to be able to increase your mpg by up to 8%.

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