I have a short commute, less than 8-9 miles. Is there any way to improve my gas mileage for short trips?
Don’t drive short trips. It sucks, but the first few minutes are the worst for fuel economy and wear on the engine. That is NOT an endorsement of warming up the car — 15, maybe 30 seconds is all you need (I live in Fairbanks, where we plug our cars in when it is under +20F). Driving for 2-3 minutes warms up a car about the same as 10-15 minutes parked idling (and warms up the transmission, too, which idling does not). Besides, “warming up” your car = zero MPG. Your best bet is to minimize your short trips — nearly impossible if it is your commute… Some misc things that *might* help: Make sure your tires are at proper inflation. You might eke out an extra mile per gallon from tire inflated to max, but you have to balance that against tire wear and ride comfort. Your choice. Use the lightest oil recommended by car manufacturer. If they say 5w30 year round, then use 5w30 year round. Some have even moved to 5w20 — some mechanics balk at 5w20, but they are mechanics, not the engineers
