So just what can we do to get more MPG from our cars? Just a quick look on the internet will turn up hundreds of so called “gas mileage devices” that promise to get more MPG from your engine. Now I’m not saying that all these gas mileage devices are scams, but a lot of them sound pretty far fetched. With this in mind I have done some research and come up with ten ways to improve gas mileage using tips that most experts agree actually work.

1) This one is so obvious that it often gets overlooked. Make sure that your gas cap is in good condition and that the seal is not worn or broken. A loose or poor fitting gas cap will allow gas vapour to leak out, wasting precious fuel. As much as 17 gallons of gas a year can be lost due to a faulty gas cap. Also if and when you do replace it make sure you get a locking one as the rise in gas prices increases the rise in gas theft.
2) Stick with the right type of gas for your particular vehicle by using the correct octane rating that is recommended for it. A higher octane rated fuel such as premium will have little benefit for an engine designed to run on regular gas.
3) Don’t let your engine idle for long periods. An engine that idles for 15 minutes can waste up to a gallon of gas.
4) Drive at a reasonable speed. The faster you drive the less fuel efficient your engine is, keeping your speed down is one of the best ways to improve gas mileage.
5) Make sure that your air filter is cleaned regularly. A clogged air filter will drastically reduce your fuel efficiency, so check it on a regular basis, especially if you drive on dirt roads where it will clog up quicker.
6) Don’t forget your other filters. Routinely check your fuel filter and the PCU valve and breather filter. Replacing these can improve gas mileage by up to 15%
7) Get a mechanic to check your oxygen sensors. A faulty oxygen sensor can send more gas to the engine than it really needs to run efficiently.
8) Don’t be a jack-rabbit driver. Always accelerate and break slowly (except in an emergency obviously). Fast accelerating and aggressive breaking will also reduce your fuel economy.
9) Keep your tires in good condition and check pressures regularly. A flat tire is a drag and will cost you gas.
10) Try to keep your weight down. All that junk you carry around in your trunk (the stuff you never use) is just adding to your gas bill.

These are just 10 simple ways to improve gas mileage and get more MPG for your car. There are many more and most of them are just common sense, so even if you don’t invest in one of the new gas mileage devices on sale you can still make some savings and get more MPG for your car.

Technorati Tags: Improve, Mileage, More, Simple, Tips, Ways

So just what can we do to get more MPG from our cars? Just a quick look on the internet will turn up hundreds of so called “gas mileage devices” that promise to get more MPG from your engine. Now I’m not saying that all these gas mileage devices are scams, but a lot of them sound pretty far fetched. With this in mind I have done some research and come up with ten ways to improve gas mileage using tips that most experts agree actually work.

1) This one is so obvious that it often gets overlooked. Make sure that your gas cap is in good condition and that the seal is not worn or broken. A loose or poor fitting gas cap will allow gas vapour to leak out, wasting precious fuel. As much as 17 gallons of gas a year can be lost due to a faulty gas cap. Also if and when you do replace it make sure you get a locking one as the rise in gas prices increases the rise in gas theft.

2) Stick with the right type of gas for your particular vehicle by using the correct octane rating that is recommended for it. A higher octane rated fuel such as premium will have little benefit for an engine designed to run on regular gas.

3) Don’t let your engine idle for long periods. An engine that idles for 15 minutes can waste up to a gallon of gas.

4) Drive at a reasonable speed. The faster you drive the less fuel efficient your engine is, keeping your speed down is one of the best ways to improve gas mileage.

5) Make sure that your air filter is cleaned regularly. A clogged air filter will drastically reduce your fuel efficiency, so check it on a regular basis, especially if you drive on dirt roads where it will clog up quicker.

6) Don’t forget your other filters. Routinely check your fuel filter and the PCU valve and breather filter. Replacing these can improve gas mileage by up to 15%

7) Get a mechanic to check your oxygen sensors. A faulty oxygen sensor can send more gas to the engine than it really needs to run efficiently.

Don’t be a jack-rabbit driver. Always accelerate and break slowly (except in an emergency obviously). Fast accelerating and aggressive breaking will also reduce your fuel economy.

9) Keep your tires in good condition and check pressures regularly. A flat tire is a drag and will cost you gas.

10) Try to keep your weight down. All that junk you carry around in your trunk (the stuff you never use) is just adding to your gas bill.

These are just 10 simple ways to improve gas mileage and get more MPG for your car. There are many more and most of them are just common sense, so even if you don’t invest in one of the new gas mileage devices on sale you can still make some savings and get more MPG for your car.

Technorati Tags: Improve, Mileage, More, Simple, Tips, Ways

Misleading Gas Credit Card Applications

Before applying for any credit card, read the terms and conditions. Most gas credit cards claim high cash back percentages, but there is usually a catch. Here are some examples:

• cash rebates limited to one gas station company

• high cash rebates only during an introductory period of usually 6 to 12 months

• a monthly or annual limit on how much cash back you can earn

• a tier structure with varying cash back percentages depending on spending

The credit card companies are very careful with their marketing wording. A cash back percentage is usually quoted as ‘up to 5% cash back’. Once they say ‘up to’, you know you won’t get that high cash back all the time. So know what you are applying for to prevent disappointment.

Keeping a Balance Will Blow Your Cash Rebates

With any credit card, if you only make the minimum payment and keep a balance, you will pay interest charges. Over time these interest charges could cost a lot more than any cash rebates you earn. Try to only use your credit card as much as you can afford to pay off next month. This can be difficult to adjust to for some people. Suddenly they are paying for everything with their credit card to earn more cash back. Meanwhile it seems as if their bank account is unaffected. This could lead to impulsive spending. Before they know it, their bank account is empty and a big credit card bill shows up. Then the interest charges add up. This is how credit card companies can afford to offer cash back. Ideally you should keep track of your credit card spending and keep that much cash aside as money already spent.

Gas Rebate Credit Cards Offering Rewards Other Than Cash Back

If you are trying to save money with a gas credit card, choose your credit card rewards carefully. You could earn airline rewards on your gasoline purchases, but they cost more money in the end. Airline rewards would likely only cover a portion of you or your family’s airline tickets. Then factor in vacation expenses and lost wages. Other gas station reward credit cards offer gift certificates. Again it usually only covers part of the purchase and it is something you wouldn’t normally buy. To really save with gas credit cards, apply for a gas credit card that offers cash rebates as checks or statement credit.

Why Are Gas Rebate Credit Cards Still So Popular?

Gas prices are a major economic factor. We hear about gas price fluctuation in the news. The credit card companies are aware of this concern. Nearly every gas station company has its own credit card and many of them are heavily marketed. Despite some reward limitations, many of these gas rebate credit cards are very good deals.

If you spend a lot of money on gasoline, a gas rebate credit card can get you the cheapest gas prices. A gas rebate credit card used responsibly could save hundreds on dollars off your gas bill each year. Ensure you are familiar with your credit card rewards program details though. Pay off your credit card each month and avoid interest charges. Compare credit card offers carefully and read the fine print.

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