7 Tips on How to Improve Your Gas Mileage

 

When you fill up your tank, you want to get the best possible gas mileage. Otherwise, you're going to spend more money at the pump than necessary. At Glockner South Point Ford, we can show you some great models known for their fuel efficiency. Additionally, there are a few tips to help you improve your gas mileage, too.

Monitor Your Speed

If you tend to be a bit lead-footed, you might end up spending more gas without even realizing it. Certain vehicles may allow you to speed without noticing that you have exceeded the speed. Just because a car can go from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds doesn't mean that it should, either.

Gradually reach the speed limit. Then, you might want to consider setting your cruise control to help you maintain that speed. Some newer models even have adaptive cruise control so you don't have to hit the brakes and reset your cruise as you deal with changes in traffic.

Follow the Fuel Type

The fuel you put into your vehicle matters. You might think you're treating your vehicle to something special when you pump in a higher octane. However, you might actually be causing your engine to work harder - and that's going to take a toll on the fuel efficiency, too.

If you're not sure what type of fuel is recommended, check your owner's manual. Also, you may want to ask the service technician about the condition of your fuel filter the next time you're in. A simple change of your filter can do wonders.

Reduce Excess Weight

It's easy to let various items pile up in the backseat or the trunk. Those books you need to drop off at the library, those bags of clothes that need to get donated, and all of the supplies for work can add up. Too many excess pounds can put a strain on the engine. Your engine is designed for a certain amount of weight, and anything more can be problematic.

A few pounds here and there won't make a difference. But, you don't want to continuously drive around with 50 or 100 pounds of added cargo. Check your trunk and empty things out periodically.

Avoid Added Storage

Just as you don't want to add weight to your car, you also want to reduce the drag. This means that roof racks and storage accessories can not only weigh your car down, but it actually causes more drag. By moving a bike rack from the roof to the back or getting rid of trunk storage compartments when they're not being used, you can make your car more aerodynamic on a daily basis. You'll notice how much smoother your drive is and your gas tank won't need to be refilled as often, either.

Check the PSI on Your Tires

The pressure on your tires should be maintained based on their specifications. If the air pressure is too low, it can leave flat spots where your vehicle has to work harder to move forward. Check your PSI using a tire gauge once a week and make adjustments as needed.

Schedule Regular Oil Changes

An oilchange will ensure that your engine is performing the way that it should. If your oil is too old and filled with sludge, it will cause your engine to work harder - and that means using more gas, too.

While you're getting an oil change, ask the technician about your engine's air filter, too.

Make the Most of Your Trip

There's a lot to be said about planning your trip out a bit. When you look for the shortest overall distance, you can end up cutting quite a few miles off of your trip. You may also want to consider consolidating some of the trips that you make. If you're going out, coming home, and turning around to go out again, it's wasting quite a bit of fuel. Plus, it can cause you to use more fuel when you're starting with a cold engine.

Gas mileage is often managed when you focus on servicing your vehicle at the recommended intervals. Visit us at Glockner South Point Ford to make an appointment at our service center. While you're here, we can also show you some of the newest fuel-efficient vehicles within our inventory.