One of the most requested tips for drivers is how they can improve their fuel economy and gas mileage. So, we’re going to dedicate this Car Help 101 entry to answering that particular question. From keeping your tires inflated to getting maintenance done at your local auto shop, here are 5 easy ways to improve fuel economy and boost your gas mileage just in time for summer. So, without further ado, here are 5 tips to improve your gas mileage.
One of the most important things to do in order to keep your car running as smoothly as possible and maximize your fuel economy is to make sure that you are getting regular maintenance done on your vehicle. Skipping an oil change or driving with a clogged air filter could significantly reduce your gas mileage. Also, make sure that you keep track of when to replace your spark plugs or you could also see a dip in your MPGs. Stop in to your local auto shop to find out if they need replaced.
Check your tires to make sure that they are properly inflated. Tires that are low could take as much as a 20% bite out of your MPG. That’s like the difference between 35 and 28 MPG. So, take out that pressure gauge and make sure that your tires are at the proper inflation pressure.
Make sure your gas cap is on tight. If it’s not you could be wasting a lot of money on gas that could just vaporize in the heat. If you are missing a gas cap, get a new one. They cost like $5 and could save you much more than that in the long run by making sure that your gas doesn’t just evaporate right out of your tank.
Drive slow and don’t accelerate or break suddenly if you can avoid it. This is one of the best ways to save money and increase your gas mileage. Simply driving at a steady pace and not too fast can improve gas mileage by almost a quarter. Don’t assume that you have to drive 80 MPH on the highway either. Every 5 MPH you cruise at over 60 MPH is like spending an additional .20 on gas.
Don’t worry about finding the absolute cheapest gas station. Chances are you will save a maximum of .05 off each gallon, which if you have a 15 gallon tank equals around .75. You will likely spend more than that in extra gas to find that cheaper station and it will also take extra effort and time. Unlike shopping around for the best local auto shop, it’s usually just not worth it.
Following these car help tips should improve your gas mileage noticeable, but remember that the best way to improve your MPGs is to get a new car that has good fuel economy.