To Save on Gasoline, Look Beyond the E.P.A. Sticker

Gas prices are outrageous right now. It is very difficult to fill up my gas tank when it takes almost $50. People are looking to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles and to get the best mileage. But the mileage estimates of the Enviornmental Protection Agency do not reflect the real-world driving conditions. When you are sitting in dead stop traffic it becomes very difficult to get the most out of your tank of gasoline. You have to know what to look for in buying a car and know some basic operations and maintenance for the vehicle. There is also an option for a hybrid vehicle which cuts the fuel costs because it runs on an electric motor part of the time.
The E.P.A. fuel economy estimates that are posted on the window sticker and listed on the agency's Web site are not always accurate. Consumer Reports found out that E.P.A. figures overstated mileage 90 percent of the time. The test done by E.P.A. was developed in the 1970's and it is very different from the way peple truly drive. It is under conditions of an average speed of 48 mph with the air conditioner off and no braking for traffic. However, the test are the same on each car so you are pretty safe using the numbers for just comparison.
Mileage is better in a small four-cylinder engine and even cheaper in a diesel engine. Also you will get better mileage if you take care of the care. For example keep the tires inflated, replace spark plugs and air filters when needed. Also keep the car light by not overloading the trunk. The thing that determines gas mileage the most is how you drive your car. If you are a very agressive driver where you brake and accelerate often you waste so much more gas. If you follow these easy options you could be saving a great amount of gas.