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These days, people are buying used cars that are more economical on fuel, but there are also ways you can improve the gas mileage of your used car.

Learn How to Improve the Gas Mileage of Your Used Car

After purchasing a used car from a used car dealer, many people just start driving it without bothering to perform any sort of maintenance to it. However, by following this simple guide, you’ll be able to insure that the engine is running at optimal fuel-consumption, and that the car is traveling under the most economical conditions. The most important tip you can use is to buy a used car that has the best gas mileage. But even then, you can improve the performance of your newly purchased car. Follow these steps the first day you buy your used car, and you’ll realize tremendous savings.

Reduce Drag

Did the car come with a luggage or ski rack on top? Consider remove those accessories that add significantly to the car’s aerodynamic drag. Research shows that simply installing a car-top carrier can reduce the gas mileage of a vehicle by over 5 mpg.

Replace the Tires

Consider replacing the tires if the used car dealership hasn’t already done so. At the same time, make sure to ask for an alignment. Brand new, balanced, perfectly inflated tires can improve the overall gas mileage of your used car by 1 mpg or more on the highway. If you purchase tires with lower “rolling resistance,” the gas savings are even more significant. According to the latest research, tires with low rolling resistance can save you over $100 a year in fuel costs. New tires will also reduce the wear on your car and lead to a much longer life for your vehicle. Plus, buying new tires will make it feel like you’re driving a brand new car.

Check the Gas Cap

Did you know that just having a loose gas cap can result in gas evaporating straight out of your car’s gas tank? It’s true, and most people don’t even realize that the damaged gas cap on their car is causing them to lose gallons of gas every month. Have a mechanic check out the gas cap the next time you are having your car serviced, or an oil change. If it’s seeping, just contact the local dealership for the brand of car you’ve purchased, they will be able to find you a replacement gas cap.

Give It a Tune Up

One of the best things you can do for your newly purchased used car is to give it a tune-up. Have a mechanic replace all spark plugs and spark plug wires with a new set. A new set of plugs and a finely tuned engine is the single most effective method to experience drastic fuel savings. Spark plugs can misfire, and often the damage isn’t enough so that you’ll notice. This condition can reduce engine efficiency by an drastic 30 percent. Fixing the problem will save you a fortune.

Replace the Air Filter

If your engine can’t breathe properly, it will work harder and burn more fuel to perform the same amount of work. In fact, whenever you have your oil change (or you change it yourself), always check the air filter and replace it every three months. A clean air filter will improve your engine efficiency by as much as 10 percent!

Empty the Trunk

Many people purchase a used car and don’t even bother checking what’s in the trunk. Often tools that have been stored away, or extra tires and supplies can add up to 100 pounds to the overall weight of the car. Believe it or not, every 100 pounds added to your car reduces the MPG by 2%. Yes, that means driving your 225 mother-in-law home from Thanksgiving dinner costs you a fortune (what better excuse to give your wife for refusing to do it?) Check the trunk, and if you don’t absolutely need what’s there, chuck it.

Drive Conservatively

Your driving habits probably have the most influence on a car’s fuel efficiency. Methods to increase the overall mpg of your used car the most:

Try to drive at as constant a speed as possible.

Driving 55 is the most efficient speed.

Avoid routes that have a lot of hills.

Avoid accelerating hard as much as possible.

Run multiple errands on one trip, and travel less.

For more information about quality used cars, including vehicle listings, vehicle information and even used car credit information, visit Harry Coker at www.blueskymotors.net.