With gas prices on the rise, we are all feeling it in our wallets. A few extra pennies at the pump can equal hundreds of dollars over the course of the year. If you just get smart about the way you drive and follow these six easy tips, you can improve your gas mileage, ultimately saving you money.
1 Empty the junk in the trunk
Are you carrying around some extra bowling balls or your entire wardrobe in your car? All that weight is increasing the amount your engine has to work to move your car from point A to B. Lose the extra stuff and only carry what you need for the trip.
The smaller the vehicle, the more unnecessary weight reduces your gas mileage. Just 100 pounds of unnecessary weight can reduce mileage by up to two percent.
2 Don’t be a drag racer
Do you love waiting for that green light and then punching the throttle with all your might just so you can beat the other guy to the next red light? While it might be fun, it wastes your money by decreasing gas mileage.
Try slowly accelerating away from stops and slowing down sooner rather than waiting till the last second and slamming on the brakes. Aggressive driving, by either rapid acceleration or speeding, can increase gas consumption by up to 33 percent.
3 Use cruise while cruising
When not in stop-and-go traffic, use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Doing so allows the engine to run at a more constant RPM. This can reduce your engine’s fuel consumption.
Most vehicle’s fuel economy drops off sharply above 60 mph, so driving the speed limit will save you money in the long run. Slowing down to the speed limit and using cruise control can improve mileage by anywhere from 7 to 23 percent.
4 Stay inflated!
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential to fuel economy. This is also a safety issue, as under inflated tires can cause excessive tire wear, which can lead to a blow out. Keeping tires properly inflated is the easiest thing you can do to your car to improve your vehicle’s mileage. Savings in the range of three percent is average.
5 Service your vehicle regularly
Keeping your vehicle in proper running condition is essential to making sure it lasts. It can also save you money at the pump! Does your car feel sluggish or hesitate when you push the gas pedal? These are signs your engine is not running properly. An engine that is not running properly is an engine that is not running efficiently.
By ensuring your engine is running properly, you can achieve fuel savings of up to four percent. You can save even more by replacing faulty sensors. An oxygen sensor, for example, can reduce fuel economy by up to 40 percent if it is not working correctly.
6 Be trip savvy
Reducing the number of trips you make can reduce gas consumption. Plan your errands around the same trip and get the most bang for your fuel buck. Car pool whenever possible. The savings will add up quickly.
No single solution
As you have seen, there is no single solution for improving gas mileage. It is a combination of driving habits, trip planning and ensuring your car is running in tip top condition. Do this and you will save money.
The price of gas will only increase over time. By letting us help you keep your vehicle properly maintained, you will put more money in your pocket and less in the gas pump.
Note: The figures in this article are based on industry averages and can be found at fueleconomy.gov.