1. Avoid Rush Hour

Avoiding rush hour can significantly improve your gas mileage, as heavy traffic often leads to frequent stops, idling, and slower speeds, all of which decrease fuel efficiency. While not everyone has the luxury of a flexible work schedule, there are still ways to optimize your driving habits. For example, you can plan your errands during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or late evening, when roads are less congested. Additionally, consider combining multiple tasks into one trip to reduce the total miles driven. Researching traffic patterns and using navigation apps can help you identify the best times and routes to travel, further enhancing your fuel efficiency.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Excess weight in your car leads to increased drag, making your vehicle work harder and less efficiently. This extra effort means burning more fuel, which can impact your wallet over time. For every additional 100 pounds, your vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) can drop by up to one percent, potentially adding around 4 cents per gallon to your fuel costs. To maximize fuel efficiency and minimize drag, it’s crucial to regularly declutter your car by removing unnecessary items. Even small changes, like keeping only essential emergency supplies and tools, can contribute to better gas mileage and reduced fuel expenses over the long term.

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

Speeding may seem like a quick way to reach your destination, but it can take a toll on your fuel efficiency. Rapid acceleration and braking waste fuel, and driving above 50 mph can cause a significant drop in gas mileage—potentially reducing it by as much as 7-14% for every 5 mph over 50 mph. To improve fuel efficiency, consider using cruise control on highways. This feature helps maintain a steady speed, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption due to fluctuating speeds. Additionally, practicing smooth driving habits, such as gradual acceleration and gentle braking, can further enhance your vehicle’s fuel economy, saving you money over time.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle for Long

Turning your car off instead of idling is an effective way to save fuel and reduce emissions, contributing to both environmental protection and cost savings. Modern vehicles are designed to use less fuel when restarting than they would if left idling for extended periods. If you’re stuck in traffic and unable to turn off your engine, consider reducing the load on your engine by switching off climate controls like air conditioning and heating. This simple step can prevent unnecessary fuel consumption, particularly during long waits. Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with start-stop technology, allowing it to automatically shut off and restart the engine during stops, can further enhance fuel economy and decrease emissions.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Unless you’re driving an all-electric vehicle, regularly changing your motor oil is essential for maintaining your car’s performance and longevity. It’s crucial to use the correct grade of motor oil specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer, as this can improve your fuel efficiency by one to two percent. ²  Using the wrong oil grade can increase friction in your engine, causing it to work harder and burn more fuel. Additionally, synthetic or high-performance oils may offer further benefits, such as better engine protection and longer intervals between oil changes. By sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensuring timely oil changes, you can optimize your car’s fuel economy and extend its lifespan.

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Taking a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance is key to enhancing fuel efficiency and prolonging the life of your car. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve gas mileage, as underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, causing your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Regular oil changes are equally important, as clean oil reduces engine friction and wear, allowing your vehicle to run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, routinely checking and replacing air filters, spark plugs, and other vital components can further optimize performance, leading to better fuel economy and lower overall maintenance costs.

Make sure to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently by scheduling an appointment with our team of highly-trained technicians today!