Wednesday, July 18, 2007

How To Improve Gas Mileage

It is impossible to pick up a news paper, turn on the radio or television, or to listen to office conversation without hearing about the high price of gasoline. Every where you turn people are talking about the impact that the high gas prices is having on their household budget. Many people have to find a way to adjust their budgets to accommodate for the rising costs.

Many people are asking the question of how to improve gas mileage on their vehicles and others are purchasing more economical cars. There are some practical things that can be done to decrease the number of trips that are made to the pump. One of the simplest answers to how to improve gas mileage is simply to drive less. Incorporate errands so you are not making as many trips car pool and ride share as often as possible. If there are short trips try walking or riding a bike. Young drivers are often hard on gas mileage because they do not drive at a consistent rate of speed. Talk to your young drivers about accelerating slowly and driving the speed limit. Another answer to how to improve gas mileage is to make sure that you have proper inflation in your tires. Check on your tires to make sure that they are filled to the manufactured suggested amount of pressure. Tires that are under inflated can reduce gas mileage by up to 20%.

My children have been complaining that they need to contribute more money to the family car than they have in the past. This reduces the amount of money that they have to spend. My husband and I had a conversation with them regarding how to improve gas mileage and also to reduce the number of miles they drive by ride sharing and using other modes of transportation. I also thought that it was good for them to realize the larger scope of the increase in the gas prices. I had them come to the grocery store with me and I explained how much fruits and vegetables have gone up because of the higher cost of shipping as well as running the farm equipment that is needed to produce the food. They were surprised at how much the price of gas affects all aspects of our economy. We talked about needing to make choices about which trips are essential and which ones can wait until they can be incorporated with other errands. I think they are learning a good lesson through the rise of gas prices. It is easier to get them to listen when they are feeling the affects in the amount of money that is in their wallets.

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