With gas prices rising, we all need to do whatever we can to save money on our monthly fuel costs. While your vehicle’s gas mileage will be at its best when you take it in for regular maintenance checks, there are plenty of little things you can do while driving that will make the biggest difference in getting better gas mileage. With this list of ten tips on how to drive differently and get better gas mileage, you’ll be saving big bucks in no time!
Avoid Sudden Stops
When driving, try to avoid sudden stops. Vehicles use more gasoline when starting from a stop. Anytime you need to stop, try slowing down gradually first. This will save you a lot of money over time. Keeping a solid space between the cars around you so can stay off the brakes is always the best way to keep the momentum on your side and the MPGs in the green.
Coast whenever possible
One of the best opportunities to save gas while driving is with coasting, try it whenever possible. Coasting is when you are traveling at a constant speed but your foot isn’t on the accelerator. This will help you get better gas mileage by decreasing the number of times you accelerate and brake. Plus, it’s much easier on your car because they don’t have as many parts that wear down over time due to constant use.
Use the correct oil
An easy way to get better gas mileage is by using the correct oil. The best type of oil for your vehicle depends on the make, model, engine size, year, and even season. There are two types of oils: conventional and synthetic. Synthetic oils have a higher price but last longer than conventional oils. Keeping your oil fresh means your car’s parts are properly lubricated and working properly without extra effort.
Keep your car tuned up
Before you even think about changing the way you drive, make sure your car is tuned up and up to date on maintenance. The gas usage of a poorly maintained car is more than the gas usage of a well-tuned car. Check your owner’s manual for information on how often tune-ups are required, but if you haven’t had one in a while, it might be time.
Keep your tires properly inflated
It’s not just how you drive that affects your gas mileage, it’s also what size tires you’re running and their condition. If your tires are too big or too small for your car, you could be hurting your gas mileage. Make sure they’re always at the right pressure (you can get a tire gauge at any auto parts store) and don’t let them go too low or you’ll have to add air more often. When your car’s tires are underinflated the tire has more contact with the road, creating resistance and slowing you down. This can be one of the biggest factors with saving some money on gas!
Remove excess weight from your car
Sometimes getting better gas mileage can just come down to removing excess things that just piled up in your car over time. You’ll likely want to keep that spare tire and any tools you might need in an emergency, but there’s always something you can take out of your car and save yourself a little cash in the long run. Even roof rails or bike racks on the back should be removed if you don’t use them regularly.
Use the right grade of gasoline
Be sure you are using the right grade of gasoline. Using the wrong type will not only decrease your fuel efficiency, it could cause engine problems as well. This is especially important if you drive a newer vehicle that uses flex fuel or a higher ratio of ethanol based fuel. If you’re unsure about which kind of gas to use, consult your owner’s manual or ask a professional. If your car or truck can use multiple grades of fuel, always consider the grade with more gasoline and less ethanol, because your miles per gallon will generally be more even though that grade of gas can be a little more expensive.
Follow the speed limit
When driving, it’s tempting to go a little faster than the speed limit. However, this will only cause your gas mileage to suffer. Try driving at or below the speed limit and see if you notice an increase in gas mileage. For example, by driving 65 instead of 75 on the highway, you’ll get better gas mileage due to less wind resistance. There have been some studies on what the best speed is to travel to get the most out of your mpg, but one thing they all agree on is anything over 70mph is not cost efficient. Typically between 50-70 mph is the sweet spot for cars getting between 30-50 mpg.
Use cruise control
Cruise control, or speed limiting device as it’s called in some states, is a great way to improve your gas mileage. When you are driving on flat terrain, set the cruise control for about five miles per hour below the speed limit. If you find that you’re constantly accelerating or decelerating for slower traffic, try setting your cruise control at the posted speed limit, then adjust as necessary. Speed limits generally aren’t the best suggestion for getting the best miles per gallon, but you don’t want to cause issues for other drivers on the road just to save a little money.
Plan your route
It’s not just the speed at which you drive that affects your fuel consumption. How long you drive can have a significant impact on how much gas your car consumes. Picking the shortest route doesn’t always mean the least amount of gas, as starting and stopping would consume tremendously more if you were driving through the city instead of on the highway. Use modern tools like Google Maps to plan accordingly and utilize their built in gas saver features by picking the best routes for you.
Finding a car that works for your budget and saves you money on maintenance and gas can be a daunting task. Reach out to Boucher today and get an expert to work with you to find you the best deal on a car that works best for your lifestyle.
