Gas has gone up in price dramatically the last year. That’s why I’ve put together these tips for getting the best gas mileage for your car!
Tips for Getting The Best Gas Mileage
When you use your vehicle every day, you know how quickly the fuel tank empties. Follow these tips to improve gas mileage and keep some money in your pocket.
Check the Gas Cap
As owner and CEO of Trico Group Patrick James understands the importance of keeping a car well maintained for better fuel mileage. One vital part of your vehicle is the gas tank cap. This component is designed to twist on and off to allow easy access to the tank when adding gasoline to your car. However, this design means the part may wear down over time and prevent the system from forming a complete seal. If this happens, dangerous fuel vapors may leak out, and the fuel efficiency decreases. Ensure the cap is always tightly closed after filling up and replace it if it no longer fits.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
An additional maintenance issue is maintaining good tire pressure. When tire pressure is low, it takes more energy for the motor to move the vehicle. If the engine is working harder, it is using more fuel. Your best bet is to periodically check the tire pressure and ensure that it is within the optimal range for your car. If you aren’t sure where to find this information, most manufacturers put the ideal cool tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Turn the Engine Off When Parked
Once your car is properly maintained, changing the way you drive also improves fuel economy. One big change you can make is to turn the engine off when you aren’t driving. Obviously, when you plan on getting out of your vehicle, you turn it off, but this includes times when you are waiting to pick up a friend, sitting in line to pick up your kids from school, and even while stuck in a major traffic jam. Your vehicle may use up to half a tank of gas an hour to keep the motor running, and even more if you are using the air conditioning. On hot days, time your travel and pick up times, so you don’t have to sit for a long time or park the car in the shade with the windows down instead.
Drive the Speed Limits
Another way to improve gas mileage is to drive at the posted speed limit. Most vehicles use more gasoline when being driven at speeds over 50 mph. On freeways, it’s best to go the posted speed limit to avoid using extra fuel while still staying with the flow of the traffic. If your car is equipped with cruise control, it also helps prevent you from small increases and decreases in speed, which lowers fuel efficiency. Not only is this the best use of gas, but it also keeps you safe as well.
Shift Gears at the Right Time
If you drive a car with a manual transmission, knowing when to shift gears is beneficial for improved gas mileage. When you delay shifting, the engine revs faster and stronger, which uses more fuel. The ideal range for optimal fuel economy is between 1500 and 2500 rpm, so it’s best to shift up to the next gear when your car goes above that range.
Unload the Car
How you use your vehicle has as much impact on gas mileage as how you drive it. If your car is always full of people or supplies, the engine works harder to move the car’s weight. Which,in turn, uses more fuel. To help improve the car’s gas mileage, remove heavy items as soon as you no longer need to carry them.
If you are looking to improve your car’s fuel economy, then keep up to date with routine maintenance. Finally, drive smartly, and keep loads light.
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