what are some inexpensive ways to save gas?

Question

i'm not looking to buy parts that are expensive to save gas in the long run, just small things that help right now

Answer 1

Don't drive.

Answer 2

All the answers given are good. To sum up:

1) Good air pressure in your tires - run on the high side of the spec will increase fuel mileage.
2) Clean or change your air filter often. A clogged air filter will cause your car to run too rich, using more gas than needed.
3) Use the brakes sparingly.
4) Go slower. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed so going just 10 MPH slower can have a big effect on mileage.
5) Oil changes. Switching to a slightly lower multi-viscosity synthetic oil can save gas.
6) Alignment. Keeping the front end aligned will help reduce rolling resistance and tire drag.
7) Aerodynamics. On a street car, driving with the windows open, a roof rack or trunk spoiler wastes gas.
8) Tailgates. If you drive a pickup - leave the tailgate on and up. Mythbusters on TLC busted that myth last year. Driving with a tailgate down is not more aerodynamic.
9) Avoid using A/C. Your air conditioner draws a significant amount of power from the engine and will greatly reduce your mileage. Use the A/C sparingly.
10) Transmission service. If you use an automatic, a fresh fluid and filter change can mean more efficient power transfer and higher fuel mileage.

Try these and see if you don't notice at least a 10% increase...

Answer 3

If you have the old style carb you can adjust the air fuel mixture to thin out the fuel but be careful with this since you can over adjust and cause dying and other problems. Also most roads are given a speed limit which best suits the road, minding the speed limits helps with gas consumption. Keep in mind that gunning it at lights also burns unnecessary gasoline. There are several tricks you can do which only require regular maintenance and altering your driving techniques. Good luck. (for products stay away from a 4 barrel carb)

Answer 4

you could walk---no really, accelerate like there is an egg under the pedal, time your stops so that your not accelerating to a stop. keep the a/c off, tire pressure, air cleaner, clean out the junk in the car--don't fill above 1/2 full (weight will slow a car down--more pounds to push), tune up, light weight oils aka 5-30 oil rather than a 20-50 wt. Any gas that is more than 10% ethanol

Answer 5

New air filter and spark plugs. Make sure the plugs are properly gapped. Change your oil regularly (every 5000Km or 3000Mi) Avoid hard acceleration and excessive speeding. Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Transmission flush. Draft large vehicles on the highway to reduce wind drag (just kidding on the last one, although it would save a little gas)

Basically, keep your car well maintained and don't drive like a maniac.

Answer 6

Drive the speed limit (no speeding)
Drive predictively (If you see an intersection ahead ease off gas, coast to stops, etc)
Don't 'punch it' when pulling out in traffic.
Fill up in the morning or evening
Maintain proper air pressure in tires
Consolidate errands. (Go to PO same trip as going to bank, cleaners or what-have-you)

Answer 7

gas treatment...to clean out the tank and save on fuel milage

Answer 8

whenever I get out of my car to check the mail I turn my car off and now I turn my car off when I go in the store to get a coke . just little things like that.

Answer 9

Make sure your tires have the right air pressure in them.

Answer 10

all the previous answers are great and also don't haul around extra weight, clean out the trunk etc...

Answer 11

Make sure your O2 censors are working properly.