Speeding, rapid acceleration and constant breaking are all symptoms of aggressive driving that waste gas. Pay attention to the traffic flow to maintain a more constant speed. You can lower gas mileage by as much as 22 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets by driving sensibly. Source: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 2 percent when using the grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Source: EPA
Gas caps that are damaged loose or missing can cause gallons of gas to vaporize, thus sending you to the pump sooner than necessary.
Avoid keeping unnecessary, heavy items in your vehicle. An extra 100 lbs could reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s total weight, which affects smaller cars more than larger ones. If there is something you do not really need, do not pack it. Remove rooftop carriers unless they are really needed. Source: EPA
Trips to the grocery store, dry cleaners, and shopping centers should be planned so you are not wasting time retracting your route. If you have multiple vehicles, drive the one that has the better mileage. Make a list of what you need so you don’t forget something and have to make a return trip. In stop and go traffic fuel consumption can increase by as much as 20 percent. Sources: EPA, FTC.
When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s like driving with the parking brake on, and that can cause an increase in gas consumption. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Check your tires’ pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in the temperature. Recheck your tire pressure when the weather gets warmer. Source: EPA
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your vehicles gas mileage by as much as 10%. The air filter keeps dirty particles from damaging the inside of your engine. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. A clear air filter serves a dual purpose: It saves gas and protects your engine.
Regular octane fuel is recommended for most cars. Buying a high-octane gasoline most likely won’t improve your car’s performance but will add to your fuel cost. Don’t waste your money on high grade gasoline if your vehicle doesn’t need it. There is no horsepower or mileage gain to be gained and petroleum companies don’t care if you spend the extra few cents a gallon needlessly. If your vehicle only requires 87 octane and you feed it 91, you’re wasting cash! Source: FTC.
You need to read the fine print when it comes to 0% balance transfers. A few years ago, 0% balance transfers were extremely popular. You may not see as many offers for this as you did in years past, but card issuers are still trying to get customers to move their debt from one card to another with low rate offers. Unfortunately, many of these seemingly tempting offers are full of traps for the unknowing. To make matters worse, bouncing a balance from card to card can hurt your credit score.
Allowing your vehicle to run idle for longer than a minute is equivalent to throwing money out the window. You are burning gas but getting zero miles per gallon. Turnoff the car; it takes less gas to restart it than what is being used while sitting still. Source: Car Care Council
Bonus Tip # 1 – Keep your engine in tune: Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emission test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You’ll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent plus a poorly maintained vehicle consumes more fuel, produces higher levels of emissions, requires expensive repairs, and has a low resale value.
Bonus Tip #2 – Be as aerodynamic as possible: keep windows up and sunroof closed. Obviously, your car is going to get its best mileage when it’s as aerodynamic as possible. Having your windows open will increase the drag on your car, thus reducing its gas mileage by 10% so keep windows closed when traveling at high speeds.
Bonus Tip #3 – Avoid prolonged warming of the engine: Even on cold mornings 30-45 seconds is plenty of time.
Bonus Tip #4 – Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment: Bent wheels, axels, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
Bonus Tip #5 – Use your vehicle’s air conditioner sparingly: Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20% heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load. The more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon. Try opening the windows at low speeds or the fresh air vents to cool your vehicle.
If you’re ready to work with a car dealer who really cares, a dealer FOR THE PEOPLE®, happy to schedule a totally free consultation between you and one of our expert transportation advisors. You can call ahead to set an appointment or show up anytime. We’re looking forward to your visit!
~ Joe Clemons