Gas prices are surging right now. According to the latest consumer inflation reading, energy prices have spiked by 34% in recent months, reaching their highest level since 1982.
If you’ve been feeling pain at the pump lately, you are not alone.
Fortunately, there are ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. In this blog, we’ll share our top 5 tips on how to save money at the gas pump and get more miles out of each tank.
Let’s dive in.
5 Fuel Efficiency Tips from the Pros
Whether you drive long distances each week or you’re just looking for ways to save money on your daily outings, these five tips will boost your car’s gas mileage:
1. Get rid of extra weight
Did you know that even an extra 100 pounds of weight can affect your car’s fuel efficiency? With that in mind, get rid of clutter in your car’s trunk or the back of your truck. Take it a step further by removing the ski and roof racks from your car and traveling as light as possible during your daily drive.
2. Check your tire pressure
Under-inflated tires will cost you money. According to the US Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by 0.6%- 3% by keeping your tires properly inflated.
With this in mind, keep a tire pressure gauge in the car and check your tire pressure each time you fill your car’s tank. Check your owner’s manual or tire wall to determine the correct PSI for your tires.
3. Slow down
Driving fast burns gas. Instead of being a lead foot, keep your speed steady. Cars lose fuel efficiency after reaching 45-50 mph, and the faster you go, the worse your fuel economy gets. To save money on gas, drive the speed limit, use cruise control, and avoid rapid acceleration or hard braking.
4. Get your oil changed regularly
Newer cars have a feature called Variable Valve Timing, or VVT. The VVT system helps improve combustion, and when it’s operating at peak efficiency, it reduces fuel consumption by 1-6%. However, the VVT is very sensitive to oil changes, so staying on schedule is essential. Getting an oil change every 3,000-7,000 miles keeps your VVT system operating well and helps maintain your car’s gas mileage.
5. Keeping up on regular maintenance will help you save money at the gas pump
An improperly tuned engine can decrease your gas mileage by an average of 4.1%. With this in mind, get your engine tuned up regularly, and ensure you’re not letting routine repairs go too long without attention.
Bonus Tip: Turn the AC off
Depending on the driving conditions, turning your AC off can help improve fuel efficiency. Just avoid congested areas and traffic jams where your car is idling for a long time.
DeBroux Automotive: helping you save money at the gas pump!
The team at DeBroux Automotive provides regular auto maintenance and auto repair for customers throughout Pensacola. We work with you to keep your car in top shape. When you’re looking for maintenance tips and how to save money at the gas pump – call us! Contact us today to learn more about our auto repair services and how we can help you improve your car’s gas mileage.