Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Gas Mileage
Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Gas Mileage
Gas prices are soaring. What can you do to save? The simplest answer would be to buy an electric vehicle, but not everyone can afford to do that. There are many ways to reduce your fuel consumption, even if your daily ride has been in the driveway for a few years. There are a few ways to improve gas efficiency and lower driving costs. Below, you will find a few ways to save at the pump by enhancing your vehicle's fuel efficiency and getting better gas mileage.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is vital to the health and performance of your vehicle, but did you know that it can also help your fuel efficiency? According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30%. In addition, they can cost drivers up to 94 cents per gallon at today's prices. Regular oil changes improve your car's gas mileage because engine oil lubricants the components of your engine, increases your engine's performance, and helps it run more efficiently with less work, so it doesn't eat up as much gas.
Check Tire Pressure
A little vehicle maintenance can go a long way in improving gas mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline—approximately 1% of total consumption - are wasted each year on underinflated tires. Tires can lose about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month. Each tire underinflated by ten psi reduces fuel economy by about 3.3%. Four tires underinflated by ten psi would reduce a vehicle's fuel economy by a substantial 10% at an added cost of 31 cents per gallon.
Drive Conservatively
It is best to avoid slamming on the brakes or accelerating rapidly, except in emergencies when you are driving. Accelerating and braking quickly can make your engine work harder and burn more fuel. Gas mileage efficiency tends to decrease above 50 miles per hour. For every five MPH that exceeds 50 mph, drivers will pay about 22 cents more for each gallon of gas. Driving at slower speeds can save 22 to 43 cents per gallon.
Empty Out Your Car
All that extra stuff in the trunk of your car is doing more than just taking up space. It also weighs your car down and uses more gas to get around. Generally speaking, an additional 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce gas mileage by 1%. So, for every 100 pounds in extra weight, plan on spending up to 3 cents more per gallon.
Trustworthy Service Center Near Me
Suppose you look to improve your car's fuel economy and live in the Milwaukee, WI area, head over to Lynch Mukwonago. We are here to help you in any way we can, whether with an oil change or to purchase an EV. We have a team of qualified service technicians standing by to help you with any of your service-related needs. Click here to schedule a service appointment or contact our service department.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)