Scouting around for the best gasoline prices can be hard when you’re taking a road trip, but there are some simple changes you can make that will help improve your car’s fuel economy. And better mileage means fewer stops along the road to fill up your tank.
What do I need to do to get better gas mileage?
Old habits die hard, but you should take a good look at the way you drive. Jackrabbit starts and sudden braking can have a major impact on your gas mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aggressive driving can decrease your gas mileage by one-third on the highway and by 5 percent when you’re driving around town.
Also be sure to watch your speed, particularly on the open road. Not only does that help save you from a speeding ticket, driving above 60 mph lowers fuel efficiency. According to the DOE, every 5 mph you drive above that speed is equivalent to paying an extra 24 cents a gallon for gasoline. Using cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed and help save gasoline.
Does vehicle maintenance make a difference?
It sure does. If your car isn’t tuned up properly or has failed an emissions test, getting it repaired can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Keeping tires inflated properly can boost mileage by up to 3 percent. And using the proper grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by up to 2 percent. All those percentages quickly add up.
Are there other things I can do?
While it may seem simplest to wait in the drive-through line for your cheeseburger or cappuccino, you’re actually wasting gasoline. It’s better to park your car and head inside to place your order. An idling vehicle consumes gasoline, even though you’re only inching along.
Remove anything you don’t need from your vehicle. Lugging around an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 percent. And think twice before using a roof rack. While it gives you more space, the drag it creates can reduce fuel economy by up to 5 percent.
You can find more gas-saving suggestions at the website www.fueleconomy.gov.
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