One of the easiest ways to save money is to keep your car properly tuned up. The EPA estimate that every car has is about the best MPG you can expect out of your car driving like a normal person. Hypermiling is a variety of driving methods that can boost your MPG above the EPA estimate. But, most people can’t safetly use those methods. So instead, focus on the EPA estimate.
Let’s say you car’s EPA estimate is 28 miles per gallon. You can reasonably expect to get around 24. If you’re getting between 24 and 28 miles per gallon then inflating your tires, putting additives in your gas, changing your oil, changing your air filter, etc aren’t going to do much for you. You might be able to get an extra MPG out of your engine.
But, let’s say you notice that you’re getting 22 MPG or less. Well that’s an indication you need an oil change, a new air filter and you should check your tires. The idea is to not have unrealistic expectations of your car and waste a lot of money “maintaining” it by giving it new oil every week. It’s to figure out what a realistic expectation is and maintaining it.
All shops will suggest an oil change every 3000 miles. Read your manual. Newer cars may only need an oil change every 5000 or 7500 miles. You can ignore the sticker. But pay attention to the mileage your car is getting. Calculate the MPG you’re getting and reset the trip counter every fill up. It’s an easy way to track the performance of your car so not only can you save money on gas but also save money on major repairs that can result from not doing the routine maintenance.
