2010 NASCAR Illustrated Automotive Issue

Car Smarts : Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Gas Mileage

Car Smarts

Keep your tires at the specified rate of pressure. All tires leak air over time which leads to more resistance and wasted fuel.
Use the right gas. Every manufacturer recommends the fuel-octane rating for its cars. Using higher-octane gas than recommended is a waste of money.
Don’t floor it. People who accelerate too quickly and wind up braking hard and waste gas in addition to shortening the life of tires and breaks.
Slow Down. Dropping vehicle speeds by just a few miles an hour can really help pick up on fuel economy.
Clear the air. A clean air filter will pay for itself in fuel economy. Make sure your fuel system is properly maintained and clean.
Limit Accessories. Anything you add to the exterior will increase your vehicle’s drag and burn more fuel. Maybe put the roof rack on only when you actually need your bike or kayak. Drop a few.
If you have a bunch of additional stuff in your car, clean it out. Its just additional mass you’re trying to get from here to there.
Check your plugs and wires. If you have even one corroded spark plug or a faulty wire, your engine can misfire and waste fuel.