Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Maintain optimum tire pressure
Step 2:
Keep it in tune
Step 3:
Change your driving habits a little

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are all the rage right now, but their dirty little secret is gas mileage--it stinks. Unless you really spend a lot of time crawling along washboard roads, consider another type of vehicle instead. Front-wheel drive and snow tires will get you most places you want to go.

Carpooling is one of the best ways for everybody to save gas. If there's one car on the road instead of four... well, you can do the math for yourself. Carpooling arrangement services, both private and government-run, are cropping up in some areas--call around and find out what's available. If that doesn't work, make a sign asking other commuters to form a carpool with you, and put it up on the community board at a local food market, workout gym, or spiritual meeting place.

2torial #0817: Learn2 Improve Your Gas Mileage (Continued) Keep it in tune Keep your engine tuned properly. Nowadays, most cars on the road have electronic ignitions that are simpler to maintain than they used to be, but there are still a few items that need attention. The air filter should be replaced when you can't easily see light through it. The timing should be properly adjusted. (See Keywords in Step 1.) The spark plugs should be clean, gapped correctly and firing properly. (See Keywords.) Older cars and trucks may need the points replaced as well. Keep your exhaust system in good shape. A hole in your muffler or along your exhaust pipe will reduce your gas mileage as well as making noise and a bad smell. Step 3