Getting the Best Out of Your Gas Mileage

Most lease contracts states the certain allowable number of miles for you to drive the car. Before jumping on that enticing car lease, it is advisable to have an approximate estimation of your car usage. You see, whenever you exceed the allowable mileage, you are usually charged for the excess when you return the car. To prevent this from happening, you have budget your allowable mileage in accordance with your car lease terms. This article will provide you tips on how to improve your gas mileage so that you in turn can get the best out of your car lease. 

Drive more efficiently. 

Aggressive driving (such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking) only wastes your gas.  This can actually lower your gas mileage by 33 %  at highway speeds and by 5 % around town. Driving sensibly can also be safer for you and your passengers.

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.  So observe your speed limit, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is a $0.24 additional to your gas expenses.

Remove unnecessary items in your car that will only add non-essential excess weight that will actually  reduce your MPG by up to 2% if the weight is about 100 pounds. When traveling, don't put every baggage on your roof rack since this will increase your aerodynamics drag and will will decrease your fuel economy by 5%.

Avoid excessive idling since this costs 0 miles per gallon. Also remember to use cruise control on the highway since this helps you maintain a constant speed and, usually, will save gas. When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This not only saves you gas but it also reduces engine wear.

Always make sure that you regularly tune-up your car. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of shape  can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results will vary based on the kind of repair made and how well it is done. So make sure that you visit the mechanic regularly so that you'd avoid costly repairs and to maximize your car's mileage.

When you have a certain allowable mileage in your car lease be sure to plan your trips.  Combine errands into one trip since this not only saves you gas but it will also save you time. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient. You can also commute every once in a while (car pool and ride-share programs), you not only cut your weekly fuel costs in half, it will also save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters.

You can get the best out of your gas mileage from the start if you opt to lease a car that is fuel efficient. Selecting which vehicle you opt to car lease is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.