Whether you commute every day to work, chauffeur kids from various activities, or are planning a long family road trip, the cost of gas can drain your budget. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your gas mileage and avoid an empty bank account.
1. Keep Your Tires Filled
A very simple thing you can do to improve your gas mileage is to ensure your tires have the recommended amount of air in them at all times. While your tires may not look like they are low on air, even just being under 10 to 15 psi can decrease your gas mileage by five miles or more. This is because when your tires don’t have enough air, they have a more difficult time moving down the road, consequently causing the engine to work harder and use more gas. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a week, or each time you gas up, to ensure they are not getting low.
2. Stay Current with Regular Service Appointments
Another simple thing you can do — and one that doesn’t have to be done every single day or week — is to stay current with service appointments. Make sure your vehicle receives regular inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations. There are many components in a vehicle that when not working properly, are broken, or are in need of repair, can actually affect your gas mileage. Make sure that during these service appointments, the right type of oil is used in your vehicle and spark plugs, air filters, and other small parts are regularly replaced to ensure the car runs well and the engine doesn’t need as much gas.
3. Improve Your Driving Habits
Your own driving habits play a significant role in your gas mileage. Fast and sudden acceleration uses more gas than slow and steady driving. You also want to avoid breaking too quickly and handling the car too roughly. If you need to, use your cruise control as much as possible.
4. Avoid Idling
Not only is idling your vehicle bad for the environment, it can also hurt your gas mileage. Instead of letting your vehicle idle while waiting to pick someone up or the restaurant drive-thru, turn off your vehicle while you wait and then turn it back on when you are ready to leave. You can actually save gas and help improve the environment while you are at it.
5. Don’t Use Your Vehicle as a Storage Unit
Many individuals are guilty of storing a variety of belongings in their vehicle. They may keep golf clubs, strollers, sporting equipment, and more in their vehicle at all times. And while this can be a great convenience, it can also hurt your gas mileage. Too much weight in your vehicle will make your vehicle work harder to move, which lowers your gas mileage.
