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With fuel prices seemingly out of control it’s more important than ever to learn how to better fuel mileage in your vehicles.

There are many easy steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many individuals fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their vehicle is giving them.

Here are some quick techniques that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single technique will make that big of a difference in increasing your fuel mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better fuel mileage and helping the environment in the process.

easy Mileage betterment techniques:

Use a sunshade to keep your vehicle cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.

Park your vehicle in the shade when it's sunny and warm to keep your vehicle’s interior cooler.

Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.

Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your vehicle and go inside and order your food as many times it’s a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as I’m eating while I watch individuals sitting in their vehicles still waiting for their food. Just think of how much fuel is wasted in those lines!

Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your vehicle engine.

Don't ride the brake. Not only will this save fuel but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.

Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid “flooring it” when the stoplight turns green.

Maintain the transmission fluid in your vehicle at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.

If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.

Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your vehicle is working properly.

Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI - Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.

Immediately fix a slipping transmission.

When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes fuel. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.

If you can’t find a place to buy cheap fuel on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of fuel is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.

Buy your fuel at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a fuel credit vehicled from a major oil company. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your fuel at their stations.