How to Get Better Gas Mileage

Many people think that in order to get better gas mileage in a car or truck, they need to go buy some fuel additive... or put some special magnets on their fuel lines... or install some "magic" fuel mileage booster device into their car.

This is all false. Products that make claims about better fuel economy are almost all scams. Don't fall for it. Keep reading to find out what really works to help you get more miles out of your fuel.

It is TRUE that improving your gas mileage is one of the easiest thing to accomplish. When it comes to getting more miles to the gallon, the key is to change the way you drive and use your vehicle. You don't need any special additive, chemical or device. You won't even have to spend a cent.

Best Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Hard Acceleration and Braking

Every time you step on the gas pedal it puts more fuel into the engine. If you speed up suddenly, it uses more so it's best to accelerate slowly when possible. Many times I see people speed away from traffic lights only to slam on their brakes at the next red light. This is very bad for fuel mileage, not mention that it's dangerous as well.

2. Keep Your Driving Speed Below 60 MPH

If you want to get more miles per gallon SLOW DOWN. This is probably the most effective way to get better gas mileage for the average driver. Many people travel too fast and lose fuel economy because of it.

3. Turn Off Your Engines When Not in Use

Excessive engine idling wastes gas - If you plan to be stop for a few minutes or more then turn the engine off. You're burning fuel when your car is sitting idle with the engine running.

4. Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained

While regular vehicle maintenance is very important, it is probably not the most effective way to get better gas mileage. This does not mean that you should just neglect your car or truck. The best thing to do is follow the factory maintenance schedule found in your owner's manual.

I have heard of people who "overmaintain" their cars to the point that it becomes a waste of money. It does not do any good to change your air filter every month or two. For optimal gas saving, it is best to stick with the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.

Do Mileage Booster Products Work?

Better Gas Mileage Products

As a professional mechanic, I do not know of ANY product that will improve fuel mileage to the point that it is worth buying.

I have seen all kinds of products including magnets, mileage boosters, engine oil, stickers, weird chemicals, etc. that all claim to improve fuel economy. Many of them even claim to have been tested by "independent third parties", but I have never seen that work well enough for me to buy them.

The best thing you can do is NOT BUY THEM. Just like there is no way to "get rich quick," there is no way to "increase fuel mileage by 20%" quick. The only proven ways to get better gas mileage is to follow my advice above.

Like and Share

Click here to share this page on a website, blog or forum.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.