In the era of high gas prices, it makes a lot of sense to save gas by improving the gas mileage of your car. Many people have many different ideas on how to save gas. Some methods are free and some cost money. However, some don't even work and some can even cause irreversible damage to your car.

For example, if you bring your car to a mechanic, he will probably suggest you put some additive in the engine to improve the performance and reduce the friction. However, this method cost money and may not usually work. Even if it does work, the saving might not offset the cost. Another costly method is to modify the engine or the fuel management system of the car. This method is expensive and might damage the car if not done properly. It almost certainly will void the car manufacturer's warranty of your car.

So what are the good ways to save gas without breaking the bank. Here are the top 4 proven ways that are so simple that anyone can do it.

1. Reduce any unnecessary weight in the car. The more the weight the car have to carry, the more fuel it will burn. So go through all the items in the car and remove any items that don't need to be there. For example, a lot of golfers keep the golf bags in the car boot all the time for the sake of convenience, even though they only play golf in the weekend.

2. Keep your tires properly inflated. Under inflated will lower the gas mileage because of greater rolling resistance. Properly inflated tires will also prevent uneven tire wear and extend the life of the tire. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Get a digital tire gauge. It is a very handy and useful tool for checking the tire pressure and will save you the trouble of going to the gas station.

3. Service your car regularly. Keeping your car in good shape and engine properly tuned can improve the fuel economy. Use recommended engine oil and change out the clogged filter.

4. Drive smoothly. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Driving smoothly and calmly can really improve the fuel economy and also safety. It will also extend the life of the brake pad. Overall, smooth driving reduces the stress on the car, which means less damage and repair.

The above ways are easy and can be implemented by any car owner. They do not require additional effort on top of what is typically needed for the properly maintenance of your car. If you want to improve the gas mileage, you just have to pay a bit more attention to the proper care of the car and driving habit.