While gas prices have dropped and stayed relatively low over the past year, it’s still a costly expense that drivers have to pay for regularly. If you aren’t in the market for a more fuel-efficient vehicle, check out these ways to improve the fuel economy in your current car.
Change the Way You Drive
This is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency without spending a dime. If you tend to have a lead foot when it comes to braking and accelerating, consider how much gas you can save by easing up on the pedals. You can do this by keeping a better lookout to watch for what is coming up on the road. If you need to make a turn, take your foot off the gas well in advance instead of hitting the brake just before maneuvering around the corner.
You can also slow down your driving to reduce fuel consumption, although you should always follow posted minimum speed signs on freeways and highways.
Ditch the Extra Weight
If you drive around with a lot of stuff in your trunk or the backseat, you can reduce your fuel usage by getting rid of it. Some parents drive around with extra car seats, strollers, and other baby gear, which can add up to a lot of extra weight. You might also find that those golf clubs in your trunk are cutting down on the number of miles per gallon you can get in your car.
Track Your MPG
It’s hard to know exactly how many miles per gallon you’re getting without keeping track. Every time you fuel up at a gas station, reset the odometer so you can determine how many miles you are driving on the number of gallons you purchased. If you have a newer car, you might notice that the estimated fuel economy appears on the display, but some tests have indicated that these numbers are about seven percent higher than the actual mileage per gallon. So it’s better to do the calculations on your own to make sure they’re correct.
Replace the Filters
When air and fuel filters are clogged, the engine, heating and cooling system, and other systems within your car can’t operate as efficiently, which increases your fuel use. Make sure to maintain a regular schedule for replacing your filters. You can take it in to a service station if you aren’t sure how to access these filters. The cost of new filters is minimal and is well worth it to increase the gas mileage that your car can achieve.
Use the Right Fuel
If your owner’s manual indicates that you should use premium fuel, make sure to follow that guideline. The same is true for a manual that recommends regular fuel. Some drivers think that using higher-octane fuel will improve the efficiency of the car, but it’s actually just wasting money. High-octane fuel reduces the probability of detonation, so unless you have a high-performance engine in your vehicle, it’s not going to do much.
Following these tips can help improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and save you money on gas.
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