Often I hear people reminiscing about the good ole days when gas cost 20¢ a gallon. Well I wasn’t around back in those times, but I do have vivid memories of when it was 99¢ a gallon. Just one year ago, when gas was $2.99 a gallon, many people were in a ruckus. I wasn’t too troubled about the prices though. I bought into the notion that gas prices had not kept up with inflation. I figured the prices were playing catch up and that eventually they would level off. Well as gas prices peak more than $4 a gallon… I am no longer holding on to that inflation theory.

But I am not going to complain about gas prices… I am sure you’ve heard it all before. And beside, complaining won’t solve the problem. I’d rather talk about how we can deal with it.

Other than searching for the cheapest gas in town, there are some things we can do to save on gas, such as improving gas mileage. There is lots of information available on the internet. But not everything you read is true. So I’ll dispel some commonly believed myths, then I will give you some proven ways to improve gas mileage.

4 Things That Won’t Improve Your Gas Mileage

• Filling up during the coolest parts of the day - Yes, gas condenses in cooler temperatures. But this fact has little impact when fueling your car. Whether you refuel in the morning before the sun comes out or at hi noon in the brunt of the heat… it makes no difference. Most gas is stored underground and underground temperatures are relatively constant throughout the day.
• Topping off the tank - I’m not sure why some people think this will improve gas mileage. The only thing that will happen is that fuel will spill down your car and onto the ground. Now granted I know nothing about physics, but you standing in a puddle of gasoline next to a gas draped car sounds in 100 degree heat… well to me… that just sounds like a bad accident waiting to happen.
• Turning off the air conditioner - I do not see how anyone can cruise around in my city without the A/C on. Even if by chance it did help save on gas… who wants to blister in a smoldering, hot car? Ok so you roll the windows down to let in the breeze which comes with thermal level heat and humidity. That still does not make you comfortable… and the added drag from the wind in your car actually reduces gas mileage. I don’t know who start this cruel joke, but please leave the air on people.
• Using premium - Some people live buy it. They’d swear that paying 35 cents more a gallon for the highest octane gas provides benefits. I hate to tell you folks, but it just ain’t so. Unless your car manufacturer specifically recommends it, fueling up on premium improves nothing. Save the extra 35 cents and get 1/10th of 2 percent of 1 cup more drops of regular 87 octane fuel.

4 Things That Will Improve Your Gas Mileage

• Driving on a warm engine - Plan better commuting routes. Run all of your errands in one trip. Allowing your engine to cool down and then warm up again is inefficient. Gas burns less on a warm engine. And don’t plan to be out and about during high traffic times. It does not make sense to waste gas idling in rush hour trash if you can avoid.
• Tightening the gas cap - Did you realize some people allow their $4 a gallon gas to evaporate into thin air? Not only is this not good for the environment, but it also depletes your car’s personal gas supply. Make sure the cap is on tight, save the environment and your money.
• Using cruise control - Driving at a consistent speed is more fuel efficient. The energy your car uses to break, accelerate, slow down, stop and go reduces gas mileage. Maintaining a consistent speed as much as possible improves gas mileage.
• Using a credit card - Most card companies offer a rebate on all purchases. Many offer double or even triple rebates on fuel purchases. Look for card offers rewards on your every day gas purchases. While this has no immediate impact, you can always use those rewards to purchase more gas.