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More Miles for Less Gas
by Wil Wood

Pop Quiz, Trendy Environmental Warrior! How much fuel is required to get your car from home to...oh, let's say...the grocery store? You aren’t sure? It's ok, I won't hold that against you—-but it does pull into today's tips: Improving your car's fuel economy!

Know your own fuel economy! In your daily routines, you may have developed a sixth sense about when you need to visit the pumps. If you notice how much gas you use a week, you will notice when your car starts to mysteriously drain fuel. This gives you a chance to pop open the hood before you're stranded in the middle of nowhere. Having an mpg number in mind is a great place to start.
Unload your car! The lighter your car, the better the fuel economy. (Suddenly I want to go to the gym.) Yes, for every 100 pounds you take out, you will see an increase in mpg. So stop using your car like a portable storage space and clean it out.
Pump it up! Before we even get on the road, check your tires. In general, tires lose a pound of air a month, after three pounds it will affect your fuel economy (and the safety of your driving.) So pull out your manual, make sure the tires are cool, and get some air in there.
While we are down there, have you heard of low-resistance rolling tires? It can take up to 15% of your gas tank just trying to overcome the energy it takes to move against the road. To fight that wasted consumption, most hybrids use low-resistance rolling tires, which saves their consumption between 1.5 and 4.5 percent. Luckily, all cars can use these fuel-efficient tires; so when its time to replace, go low and save money on gas.
Changed your oil yet? I know, you are ready to get on the road but this is a valid question. Many cars are getting malnourished to death from lack of oil changes. (You know who you are.) Besides keeping cars going, regular oil changes improve gas mileage. (By the way, oil is recyclable, so don’t just dump it.)
The right oil! Yes, another tip about oil. Your car's manufacture gave you a handy little manual to your car, which will tell you what kind of oil it needs. So, if you need 10w-30…give your car 10w-30. It burns more gas to run cars with the wrong oil. Bonus points are awarded if you use Energy Conserving Oil (It'll have a little seal). That oil increases gas mileage by fighting friction and as it’s name suggests, conserves energy.
Might as well tune it up. Now we can finally start driving—to the mechanic. Are your brakes dragging? How old are the spark plugs? Can you rotate and align the tires? Do I need a new air filter? A well-maintained car is a car that isn’t wasting gas and killing the world with nasty emissions.
Curb Your Aggression. So, you've reached a stoplight...your eyes meet with the driver next to you. He nods. 3...2...1...you gun it. You peel off like the speedster that your were born to be. (What is wrong with you?) Quick lesson, Speed, if you want to be green, take it easy on the Mach 5. Your aggressive driving techniques are a nice way of taking 30 minutes of co2 emissions down to 30 seconds, not to mention, this will not save your gas milage!
If you can’t drive harsher, just drive faster! (NO, Seriously. No!) I know, what's the fun in the speed limit. You are a safe driver, and you have places to go...but let's think of it this way. It burns more to go more. (Genius idea) Going faster then the speed limit is a nice way to shorten your gas tanks life and send us to smog heaven.
Enjoy the cruise. So you can't speed, and you can't make obscene gestures as you pass a driver. Well, how about you just enjoy yourself. Turn off the A/C, lower the windows, and feel the wind in your hair. Not only is it relaxing, but also the fresh breeze is a lot friendlier on your gas tank then the funky smelling air conditioning

Warrior, you made it to the last tip of the day! Congratulations, are you ready-—it is a big one. The best way to save your gas is...(Drum Roll) using your car less! If you don’t need to drive, then don't. Simple as that...though the amount of alternatives to driving could (and will) be a whole other list.

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