Advice For Maryland Drivers: Tips To Improve Your Gas Mileage

No one likes paying at the pump, so it makes good sense to save yourself some extra money and make the most of your fuel efficiency. By applying some simple techniques to your driving habits and making a few adjustments to your vehicle, the savings can add up at the end of the month.

1. Empty Excess Cargo.

Sometimes we forget about the cargo in the trunk which adds excess weight to the vehicle and can cause the engine to work overtime. Items such as books, unused tools and miscellaneous objects should be removed from the vehicle when not in use.

2. Aggressive Driving Behavior.

We all have to get to our destination on time, but there is no sense to rapid acceleration, especially when a red light or stop sign lies up ahead. Until that light changes color, you are not going anywhere. To relieve the stress on the vehicle with wasteful accelerations, watch the road far beyond the bumper in front of you. This will not only alert you to the cycle of light changes, but makes for safer driving amongst other motorists. The rogue accelerators are a danger to the highways and have proven themselves to be lacking in the cognition skills needed to drive. There is no finish line or trophy awaiting you at the end of the drive, so be sure you remain alert to your surroundings and pace your speed to what is safe and sane.

3. Air In Tires.

To get better mileage, be sure to keep the air pressure in your tires full. A check and fill once a week is adequate for normal driving conditions, however, vehicles that travel over rough terrain may need an air fill more frequently. In addition, be sure to check for tire wear and tear and have your tires rotated according to your mechanic's recommendations.

4. Air Conditioning.

The big question is to run the air conditioner or not. For some people that are sensitive to heat, the answer is a no-brainer that they will need the air conditioning unit turned on. However, others may economize their fuel and open a car window for ventilation. There are pros and cons to each cooling solution, and you may wish to mix and match your options. Using an opened window for cooling works best when the vehicle is moving at a lower speed, such as tooling around town. However, when the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed on a freeway, the air entering the interior disrupts the aerodynamics of the vehicle, thus causing added stress on the engine and greater fuel consumption.

5. Auto Maintenance.

Like any other kind of mechanical equipment, your vehicle will perform to its best when it is properly maintained. Regular oil changes, tune-ups and part replacements are all due course for the responsible driver, and will assist you to get the best possible mileage from your car. Older vehicles may need to have a yearly diagnostic performed by your mechanic to root out a potential problem that could cost your extra bucks at the pump.

Joe Cline writes articles for Lakeway real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Austin Realtor blog can be found on the net.