With the rising price of gasoline and diesel fuel, it becomes more and more critical to get the maximum mileage per gallon.

There are three basic factors that affect fuel mileage:

1. Fuel burn efficiency

2. Rolling resistance

3. Driving habits

Here are some ideas that are easily implemented to help you save fuel.

Fuel burn efficiency

*Replacing the air filter is the most effective single thing you can do.  A dirty filter can cost up to 10% in fuel mileage.

*Change the oil regularly to decrease internal engine friction.

*Be sure your car has a proper tune up (plugs,wires, etc.) at factory recommended intervals.  A misfire due to a fouled plug or shorted wire will waste fuel.

Rolling Resistance

*Proper tire inflation;  Underinflated tires cause an increase in fuel consumption up to six percent.

*Alignment; A misaligned vehicle increases road friction, demanding more power to move the vehicle and wearing out tires.

*Reduction in weight; An extra one hundred pounds reduces fuel effeciency by one to two percent.

Driving Habits

*Slow down; Driving at 75 mph rather than 65 mph can increase fuel consumption by 25%.

*Use overdrive gears to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear.

*Cruise Control helps maintain constant speed.

*Avoid fast starts and hard braking by anticipating driving conditions and being patient.  Jack rabbit starts can waste 5-10% of fuel.

*Plan trips to take advantage of efficient routes and heavy traffic.  Combine errands when possible.  One national delivery service is redesigning their routes to make all right turns to reduce waiting and idling time at lights.  Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.

These are basic and for the most part inexpensive steps you can take to increase your fuel effeciency.  By following these steps every time fuel prices increase, you will save more.