With gas prices always fluctuating and usually trending up over time, drivers are constantly looking for ways to get better mileage out of every tank. Not only does efficient driving save money at the pump, but it also reduces environmental emissions. In this article, we’ll explore numerous practical tips proven to boost your vehicle’s fuel economy, whether you drive a compact car or a large SUV.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to improve gas mileage is making sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can lower your MPG by up to 3% due to extra rolling resistance. Check pressure using a tire gauge every couple of weeks, including the spare, and inflate to the level indicated in your owner’s manual or door jamb sticker. Plus, a quick tire pressure check takes just a few minutes when filling up at the gas station to maximize every trip’s worth of fuel. It’s a small adjustment that makes a real difference over thousands of miles of driving.
Use Cruise Control on the Highway
Driving long distances on the interstate is a prime opportunity to let your vehicle’s cruise control system do some of the work for maximum fuel savings. Using cruise control on stretches of flat, open roads helps maintain a steady speed without quick accelerations and decelerations that waste gas.
Drive the Speed Limit
Beyond cruise control, driving the posted speed limit or just slightly below it (when safe) is another great approach. Faster driving causes your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. As a general rule, fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph.
Every 5 mph you travel over 60 is like paying an extra $0.20 per gallon. Those “5 mph bursts” really add up over time, not to mention increasing accident risk. Obeying the limits saves in multiple ways. This isn’t to say speeding is always avoidable, but try to drive responsibly where you can.
Accelerate and Brake Gently
Aggressive acceleration and braking wastes gas. Ease into the gas pedal and apply steady pressure to gain speed instead of flooring it from stops. Likewise, for slowing, take your foot off the gas farther in advance and use gradual braking when possible rather than sudden, hard stops.
Smooth inputs maximize your engine and transmission’s efficiency. Plus it’s easier on brake pads and rotors. With practice, drivers can make these inputs nearly second nature for enhanced fuel savings every time the vehicle is driven.
Remove Extra Weight
Extra cargo like unused items leaving dead weight in your trunk or roof rack reduces fuel economy. Clear out unnecessary items from the interior and haul only what you need for each trip. This makes your vehicle lighter on its feet for better acceleration and increased distance per gallon.
It’s also a good idea to periodically weed out junk from the garage that constantly gets hauled around but never actually used. Staying light maximizes your gas tank’s potential mileage.
Final Thoughts
Following many of these simple tips together becomes like breathing fresh air – it doesn’t take effort and pays off every time you fill up or pay your utility bill. While no single adjustment provides huge savings alone, implementing several in unison definitely boosts your fuel efficiency and driving pleasure substantially over the long run.
