As gas prices continue to fluctuate, finding ways to stretch each gallon of fuel can make a real difference. No matter what kind of car you drive, you can take practical steps to improve your fuel economy and reduce your monthly fuel bill.
What Impacts Fuel Economy?
Your car runs most efficiently when it’s well-maintained and driven smartly. Even small changes in how you drive and care for your vehicle can have a big impact on how often you need to fill up. Here’s how to start saving:
- Remove Extra Weight
Carrying excess items in your trunk or backseat? That added weight makes your engine work harder and burn more fuel. Lighten your load by removing non-essential gear and supplies—especially heavy ones. Just 100 extra pounds can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.
- Keep Up with Maintenance
Staying on top of your car’s regular maintenance helps it run efficiently:
- Change the oil on schedule
- Replace air filters as needed
- Keep your spark plugs in good shape
A well-maintained engine burns less fuel, reduces emissions, and gives you better performance overall. Check your owner’s manual for the ideal service intervals.
- Inflate Your Tires Properly
[hyper link text – Tire pressure – links to the tires and wheels page] plays a major role in fuel consumption. When your tires are underinflated, your car has more rolling resistance—meaning it takes more energy (and gas) to keep moving. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the recommended PSI listed in your owner’s manual or door placard.
- Drive Smoothly
How you drive is just as important as how your car is built. Avoid aggressive starts and stops. Instead:
- Accelerate gradually
- Coast to a stop
- Maintain a steady speed when possible
Speeding, rapid braking, and stop-and-go traffic can lower your gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway and 40% in city driving.
- Turn Off the Engine
Idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be parked for more than a minute or two, turn off your engine. Modern cars are designed to restart easily, and you’ll save gas in the process.
Get More Miles Out of Every Tank
You don’t need a new car to get better fuel economy—you just need a few good habits and routine checkups. At Lextech Automotive in Bonita Springs, FL, we’ll help keep your vehicle running efficiently with maintenance that saves you money in the long run. Book your next service appointment and start getting more from every gallon.
