With gasoline prices on a roller coaster ride, many motorists are looking for ways to save money when filling up their vehicles’ gas tanks. Tips for lowering fuel consumption range from changing your driving style to bizarre additions to your car’s mechanics.
The following are some of the most dependable methods for lowering fuel consumption and saving money at the pump.
Reducing Fuel Consumption
Here are some tips for how you drive, what you have in your car, and maintenance issues that will help you get the most bang for your buck in fuel.
- Maintain a constant speed.
When your speed drops and surges, you consume more fuel and spend more money than necessary. According to tests, even just varying your speed between 45 and 50 mph every 18 seconds can increase your fuel consumption by 20%.
Consider using cruise control on the highway when conditions allow. However, keep in mind that small variations in speed can be beneficial when gravity is at work. Allow your speed to drop as you travel uphill, then regain momentum as you roll downhill where traffic patterns allow.
- Drive only when necessary.
Simply driving less is the most effective way to reduce fuel consumption. Only drive your car when necessary. Consider walking or riding a bicycle if you only need to travel a few blocks. You will not only save money at the pump, but you will also benefit from the exercise.
Is it unavoidable to drive? Make a strategy for combining trips. In the process, you may save both gas and stress.
- Every month, check your tire pressure.
Driving a vehicle with underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 4%. It can also reduce the life of your tires by more than 6,000 miles. The tire information placard will show your vehicle’s correct tire pressure. It’s usually on the body of your car near the driver’s door.
- Allow no more than one minute for the vehicle to idle.
Idling uses half a gallon to a gallon of gas per hour and emits unnecessary CO2 into the atmosphere. Turning off and restarting a modern engine consumes less fuel than idling for extended periods. We’re already dealing with no-idle zones.
Additionally, to effectively warm an engine, drive it rather than rev it. Engines only work hard when they are under load, and they will warm up much faster if you start the engine, wait 20 seconds (this builds oil pressure), and then drive away.
- Reduce the use of air conditioning.
Of course, there will be times when the summer heat will force you to use the air conditioning system. However, when possible, use the air conditioner in moderation. Alternatively, your vehicle’s regular fan settings may provide enough ventilation to keep you comfortable.
- Choose the correct octane gas for your vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual to see what octane your engine requires. Octane ratings assess the ability of gasoline to resist engine knock. However, the higher the octane number, the higher the price. Only about 6% of cars sold require premium gas.
Nonetheless, premium gas accounts for about 10% of all gas sold. Resist the temptation to purchase higher octane gas for “premium” performance.
- Reduce the amount of weight in the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary items from your car’s trunk or other storage areas. The fuel economy of your car decreases by about one or two percent for every 100 pounds of weight in the vehicle. You can improve your vehicle’s fuel consumption and save money on your fuel bill by keeping your vehicle as light as possible.
- Consolidating errands into a single trip saves you both time and money.
A series of short trips from a cold start can use up to twofold as much gas as a longer useful trip covering the exact same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that you travel when the engine is warm and efficient.
- Avoid rough roads
Avoid rough roads because dirt or gravel can reduce your gas mileage by up to 30%. Every time the wheels start to bounce up and down, the forward motion energy is removed from the vehicle. The best way to describe it is to imagine yourself driving on a “washboard” road.
Not only is it uncomfortable, but the vehicle will slow down due to energy transfer – and you thought physics classes were useless later in life! As a result, the driver applies more throttle, resulting in fuel waste.
Consider a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Hybrids have the excellent fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, for example, is rated at up to 40 mpg overall, and some electric vehicles can achieve over 100 MPGe. The longest-range EVs can travel over 300 miles on a single charge and may be eligible for a federal tax credit and state plug-in rebates.
It’s Common Sense
Numerous special additives and formulas on the market claim to drastically reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption, however, the best way to save money on gas is to use common sense. To get the most miles per gallon, buy a fuel-efficient vehicle, practice safe driving techniques, and monitor your vehicle’s performance.
Regular car servicing aids in the preservation of your engine’s fuel efficiency. Engine components work in tandem. Sludge and corrosion will build up between the parts if they are properly maintained, making it easier for the engine to run smoothly. This is why engine oils are essential. A good high-performance engine oil can help to reduce engine friction, fight sludge, and improve fuel economy.
Car Credit Can Help
When you buy your car or truck at one of Car Credit’s 4 convenient locations, you can be sure that the engine is in top condition – ensuring the best fuel efficiency possible. Car Credit’s 2-year warranty keeps your vehicle in good running condition to keep your gas bills as low as possible.
When you’re ready to shop for a fuel-efficient vehicle, visit any of these Tampa Bay area Car Credit locations:
CAR CREDIT EAST TAMPA
3923 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Service: 813-232-6100
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 9:30AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT HOLIDAY
2008 US Hwy 19 North
Service: 727-939-1555
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT NORTH WEST TAMPA
2902 W. HIllsborough Ave
Service: 813-874-0102
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT RUSKIN
108 N US Hwy 41
Sales: 813-645-0111
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
