3 Ways to Maximize Your Vehicle’s Gas Mileage

Fuel efficiency standards continue to rise and the rising price of gas means automakers have incentive to market more fuel-efficient vehicles. For those who are not in a position to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle, there are steps you can take to get the most out of the vehicle you have.

1. Drive Efficiently 

Your driving habits can have a substantial effect on the amount of gas you consume. The easiest ways to drive more efficiently comes after identifying the way you vehicle works and what driving habits wastes gas.

Starting and stopping is the least fuel-efficient manner of driving. You’ve likely noticed that vehicles are usually more efficient on the highway than in city driving. One reason for the disparity is having to start, accelerate, and then stop again. You can choose routes that offer longer stints of sustained driving, but that is not always an available option depending on your destination. Regardless of your route, focus on accelerating gradually and maintaining a moderate speed to get the most of your tank of gas. Mashing down the gas and braking late is the most wasteful way to drive. Also, drive the speed limit. The speed at which your vehicle is most efficient varies, but the average vehicle begins to lose efficiency at speeds higher than 50 miles-per-hour.

Using cruise-control is another means by which you can regulate smooth acceleration for a more fuel-efficient trip. Also, avoid excessive idling and reduce the weight of your load by removing heavy item from your truck that are not necessary to your everyday driving. 

2. Maintain Your Vehicle Properly

A properly maintained vehicle is a vehicle that performs at its peak efficiency. Properly maintaining your vehicle includes making sure your motor oil is changed at the proper intervals. A well-oiled engine works less than one where heat and other factors make for a more taxing ride.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the prescribed level. Tires that are under-inflated are not only dangerous; they lead to less-efficient driving. Over-inflated tires can be as inefficient. Check your tire pressure bi-weekly to ensure your tires stay within the recommended range of inflation pressure.

3. Efficient Planning

Where you drive and how often you drive doesn’t increase the fuel-efficiency of your vehicle, but smart planning will save you gas in the long-run. Start by planning your weekly obligations by grouping the tasks based on geography. Combine trips to tackle multiple tasks at once and choose a time that is least likely to require driving in congested traffic.