Making The Most Of Your Mileage

SIOUX FALLS, SD - South Dakotans are now paying more than $3.50 per gallon of regular gas. That average price has been on the increase in recent months and jumped nearly a quarter last week alone. To ease the pain at the pump, drivers are all looking at ways to save some money. One way to do that is by driving more efficiently.

The number one suggestion on Fueleconomy.gov is to drive sensibly. Rapidly speeding up, and slamming on the brakes isn't only hard on your car, it's also hard on your gas mileage. Drivers can use up to 33 percent less fuel when driving sensibly.

Observing the speed limit is also a money-saver. While every vehicle is different, most start to lose fuel economy when you go more than 60 miles per hour.

You may also want to clean out your car. Extra weight makes your engine work harder to keep your car moving. Removing 100 pounds of weight can increase your mileage by two percent.

This time of year, it's also tempting to let your car warm up. While that has benefits, letting your car idle too long only wastes gas. Experts say every minute of idle time is like throwing a few cents down the drain.

Experts also suggest planning your errands before getting behind the wheel. That way you can map out the best route and make sure you don't need repeat trips to the same area.

And above all else, experts say to keep your vehicle in good shape. That includes making sure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed on schedule, and you'll want to replace filters as your manufacturer recommends.

You may not be able to change the price at the pump, but with those tips in mind, you can make the most out of your mileage.