If you drive a standard gas vehicle, you understand that getting the best possible gas mileage is important for your wallet and also for the environment. Here are some tips on how to save on fuel and receive the best possible gas mileage from your vehicle:
Vehicle gas caps -- Gas caps are extremely important to overall gas mileage. Many vehicles on the road have gas caps that are either loose, damaged, or missing. A damaged or missing gas cap will actually lead to the vaporization of gas - something you want to avoid.
Under inflated tires -- Driving with under inflated tires is not only dangerous, but also requires more power from your vehicle to travel. This ends up costing you more money on gas in the long haul.
Worn spark plugs -- Spark plugs should always be replaced as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. A worn spark plug will cause misfiring, which in turn wastes fuel.
Dirty air filters -- Air filters have an important job - they collect dust, dirt, and debris from the air that is moving into your vehicle. If your air filter is dirty, it causes a lack of air flow as well as a dirty air flow, which actually wastes gas and affects the performance of your vehicle's engine.
Fuel-saving driving tips include:
Don't be aggressive while driving -- When you drive aggressively, such as applying the gas quickly, serving lanes, and stomping on the brakes, you actually lower your vehicle's gas mileage by a staggering percentage.
Avoid excessive idling -- If you're going to be sitting in your car for a while, don't leave the car running unless absolutely necessary. One to two minutes to warm up your vehicle is totally fine, but longer than that wastes gas.
Observe the speed limit -- Pay attention to the speed limit where you are driving. The speed limit will allow you to drive safely and will minimize the amount that you have to accelerate and brake amongst other drivers.
Windshield Wipers - Many car owners don't know that windshield wipers need to be changed at least once a year, but it is often recommended every six months depending on your climate. If you can't remember, try making it a habit to change your wipers before every fall and spring, when you change your clocks.
Lights - Always remember to pay attention to your vehicle's lights. A broken lightbulb should be fixed immediately. A broken signal can potentially be dangerous on the road and lead to an accident. It is also important to make sure that the lenses are clear and that your lights are visible to other drivers.
If you feel that your vehicle has lost its fuel efficiency, we invite you to bring your car in for an inspection today!