With the rising fuel cost at the pump, you want to get the best gas mileage possible from your vehicle to save some money.
You can’t control the price you pay for each gallon of gas, but you can help your vehicle deliver the most significant level of fuel economy possible when you’re behind the wheel. The best way to squeeze out a few more miles per gallon and save some money is to change some o your driving habits when you head out on the road during your daily commute.
1. Drive More Conservatively
One of the worst things you can do to your car accelerates rapidly and brake hard. These two activities can have long-lasting impacts on the fuel economy you enjoy and tear up your engine and other car parts. Driving hard impacts your fuel economy between 15% and 30%, depending upon the vehicle you drive. Go easier on the pedals and drive conservatively. By accelerating slowly and braking with lots of distance, you will save your car and improve your overall fuel economy numbers.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle is Properly Maintained
The tip you’ll hear a lot that is ignored more than most is maintaining your vehicle correctly. Ensure your oil is changed regularly, check your fluids, have your air filter changed when needed, and carry your tires. If you have a check engine light glaring at you on your dashboard, you’ll want to take your car into the shop to have it fixed right away. Proper vehicle maintenance is one of the most critical factors in the best gas mileage you can enjoy in your vehicle.
3. Cut Down on the Weight Carried in Your Car
The more weight you’ve got in your vehicle, the lower your fuel economy numbers. You might put heavy bags of sand or concrete in the trunk during the winter, but when spring arrives, you need to take these things out of your box. When you lighten the load, you’ll have the best possible gas mileage from the vehicle you love to drive and enjoy every day.
4. Keep at Least a Half-Tank of Gas in Your Car
How will keeping more fuel in the tank help you save money on gas? This gives you the flexibility to find the right price to pay for a gallon of gas. If you’re running on fumes, you’re stuck with the gas station nearest to where you are for your fill-up. You might pay a higher price to have a station that doesn’t offer a discount card. With current gas prices, every little bit you can save makes a huge difference in what you pay for fuel.
5. Reduce Idling for the Best Fuel Mileage
The gas mileage you enjoy is directly impacted by the amount of time you spend with the car running while not moving. Make the most of the fuel you use by driving when the vehicle is on. Modern cars do not need to be warmed up to go. While using a remote starter to warm up your car’s interior can give you a comfortable cabin, this is a waste of gas. Avoid idling as much as you can; this is simply a fuel waste.
6. Use the Cruise Control Whenever You Can
The cruise control can be your friend when you’ve got miles of the open road in front of you, but you don’t need to use this feature in stop-and-go traffic. Cruise control is a feature of your vehicle that will help the car run at its most efficiently. Enjoy the drive with this item, keep your feet off the pedals, and let your truck return the highest fuel economy results.
7. Your Tires Make a Huge Difference
Your tires are the only part of your car that touch the road. If you keep your tires properly inflated and have the right tread level on them, you’ll enjoy the best possible gas mileage during your drive. The fuel mileage drops if your tires are underinflated by only a little. Only your vehicle’s powertrain has as much impact on the overall fuel economy as the tires and their condition.
8. Keep Your Fuel Cap Tightened
Today, most vehicles have gas caps that offer a single click to tell you the lid is on and properly sealed. This is important for the fuel mileage you enjoy during your drive. When the lid is loose, it allows oxygen to get into the tank, lowering the air pressure and making it harder for fuel to reach the engine. When the cap is completely tightened, it creates a vacuum to ensure you can have the best fuel mileage from your vehicle.
9. Use Online Apps and Gas Discount Cards
One way you control how much you pay at the gas station, which doesn’t directly impact your vehicle’s gas mileage, is to use the online apps and discount cards offered. GasBuddy is an excellent app with discounts at nearly every station. Most stations provide a card that you can sign up for free and enjoy when you fill up at participating stations. You’ll be glad to have the lower prices offered when you use apps and discount cards for the fuel you put in your tank.
10. Combine Errands into One Trip Instead of Several
If you’re used to running out each time you need something, you’re wasting gas. If you plan a bit, you’ll want to combine several errands into one trip. The best way to do this is to figure out how to make your errands into one outing each week instead of several. Keep in mind that the more you go back and forth, the more you will spend and use gas.
Use these ten tips, and you’re going to improve the gas mileage you get from your car. These are easy tips that make your drive more affordable.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
