Feeling the tight squeeze from the latest high gas prices? Can’t afford to purchase a fancy new hybrid vehicle? I think most of us could use a few quick tips on ways to improve the gas mileage in our older cars. We decided to research as many gas mileage improvements tips as we could find and rank the ones that have the greatest effect on the fuel economy and gas mileage of our older vehicles. Note: These are all methods to improve the gas mileage of car overall so we are leaving out driving habits, personal preferences, etc…

1. Replace your spark plugs

After 30,000 miles there are fuel savings to be made by replacing your spark plugs. Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. Worn plugs produce a weak spark and the fuel doesn’t get completely burned. A lot of people will tell you to buy platinum spark plugs, but copper plugs actually produce a stronger spark. The drawback is that you have to replace them sooner. The fuel savings are worth it however, as copper plugs are cheaper in general.

2. Replace your oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor monitors how much fuel is in the exhaust as it exits the engine, it then tells the cars computer (the ECU) to adjust how much fuel to inject into the engine to get a proper burn. When the O2 sensor starts to fail it gets incorrect readings or no readings at all. To protect the engine from running too hot the ECU puts in more fuel that is needed causing gas mileage to plummet. Replacing your oxygen sensors can make a dramatic difference in fuel economy and gas mileage.

3. Replace your air filter

This cheap item prevents dust and dirt from getting into your engine and wearing it prematurely. Almost any oil change shop will replace your clogged dirty air filter for a nice new one that flows much better. With a properly flowing air filter you get more air into the engine, which creates better combustion resulting in better gas mileage.

If you want to go a step further you can get a high flow air filter that is washable/reusable and flows more than a traditional paper filter. This will increase your gas mileage even more.

4. Pay attention to your tires

Your tires can make a significant impact on your gas mileage. Improperly inflated tires can add additional friction requiring more energy and there for gas to push your car further. Additionally if you can buy a tire that has a harder rubber compound it will reduce friction further, and as an added bonus you can go longer between replacing tires.

To aid in keeping tires consistent consider switching to nitrogen inflated tires which are more consistent and tend to leak air less.

5. Run a slightly lighter weight oil

If your instruction manual gives you a range of oils you can run, pick the lighter weight oil. By running a lighter weight oil it puts less load on the motor (windage) letting it run more efficiently. While you are at it you might want to replace the oil in your transmission and differential. Both of which can have reduced friction and increased efficiency through nice new fresh oil.

6. Remove any excess weight from your car

Any addition in weight will decrease your gas mileage dramatically. Try not to have a full trunk of items that could be left behind, and consider removing anything in the car that you absolutely don’t need. Some chose to remove the spare tire and jack (which are quite heavy) and instead have cans of fix a flat.