Are you following all the steps to get the best gas mileage possible? Did you know that a simple tip like checking your tire pressure can help you save gas money? With gas prices fluctuating like they are, a sharp rise in gas prices could happen any minute. I know that for me personally, the cost to fill my tank has doubled since I bought my car a few years ago. What have I done to get the most out of every mile? If you really try, you can get your best gas mileage for cars, trucks, or SUVs.

I already mentioned the tip about keeping your tires properly inflated. Your car's specific tire pressure should be listed on a small plaque on the driver's door or door pillar. You'll see the tire size along with the specific tire pressure for the vehicle, expressed in psi (pounds per square inch). Sometimes the front tires and rear tires have different pressure requirements, so pay attention to detail. Having the correct amount of pressure is not only important for tire wear purposes, but it decreases rolling resistance of the tires - which helps your car roll down the road more efficiently, saving you money! A tire pressure gauge can be purchased very cheaply at any automotive retail store. Keep it in your glove box so that you'll be ready to check the pressure at any time. Remember, however, to only take readings BEFORE you drive the vehicle. Driving the car even for a short distance will heat up the air in the tires and give you an inaccurate reading.

Keeping your car's engine properly tuned will play a big role in your gas mileage. Make sure you change your spark plugs at manufacturer's scheduled intervals. If you don't know when the last time your plugs were changed, have a mechanic check the plugs. He or she should be able to look at them and determine whether they should be changed. Keep your fuel system running smoothly as well. Use a fuel system cleaner at regular intervals - this can also be picked up at a local automotive retail store. It's also a great idea to have a professional fuel system cleaning done where they actually clean the intake system with a specialized cleaner. Your car will run much more efficiently after this process!

By following these tips, you can help your car become a fuel-sipper instead of a fuel guzzler! Remember, all of these tips will help increase your gas mileage over time. They won't jump you up to 40 MPG overnight, but you should definitely see a big difference after a few tankfuls.