DIY: Extend your gas dollars through hypermiling and other techniques

Its true. I speak from personal experience. Using the techniques mentioned below, I increased the fuel efficiency of my Honda Civic from 24mpg to 30mpg. That translated to an annual saving of about $300!!

Here's how you can do it.

- Hypermiling is when you turn off the engine and let the car run on its own momentum. Consider doing this when you are nearing a traffic signal and you know its going to be a while before the light turns green. You may also want to do this when you are going down a gentle incline. Remember though that without engine power, you will have a harder time steering the wheel, so be careful with this. Dont do this on a stiff incline by any means. Thats just plain asking for trouble. For more tips on what NOT to do because that would be risky, please see http://hypermilingblog.com/is-hypermiling-legal

- Never idle more than 5 seconds. Its a myth of the past that if restarting the engine requires more fuel that simply idling it. That used to be the case in the days of the carburettor. Not so any more with the electronically controlled fuel injection.

- Close your gas cap all the way till you here a click. Every years about 150 million gallons of gas are lost in the US alone thanks to fuel evaporation.

- Every car has an optimum speed range. Usually it is between 55 and 66 mph. Driving in this range gets you the most fuel efficiency. Do not overspeed on the freeway.

- Check the tire pressure and make sure it matches the manufacturer's recommendation

- Get rid of "stuff" sitting in your trunk. The heavier the "Stuff", the lighter your wallet will be

- Air filters must be changed atleast every other time you go for an oil change

- Check your spark plugs and be aware that you may need to replace them a few times a year

- Avoid short trips in city traffic. Combine errands to reduce the number of trips to the grocery store or the mall.