How to Improve Gas Mileage in Your Vehicle

Nowadays, it’s important to make every dollar count. Between financing your new or used car and paying for your insurance, being frugal will save you a considerable amount of cash while out on the road. One of the more efficient ways to save money is to use less gasoline. Because the price of gas seems to be ever-increasing, it is important to be mindful of the habits that impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Here are a few ways you can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage:

Remove Unnecessary Weight

You may not consider it while you are driving, but all the stuff that you store in the back seat, trunk or hatchback adds weight to your ride. That added weight means that your engine is working harder to operate efficiently, which diminishes your gas mileage. Certain vehicles are designed to carry loads of weight in the rear, like a pickup truck or cargo van. However, if you are driving a front-wheel-drive vehicle like a minivan or a sedan, the extra weight will negatively impact your gas mileage.

Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

If you suspect your tire pressure is low, or you have been alerted by your vehicle’s internal sensors about low tire pressure, be sure to have them filled up immediately. If your tire pressure is low, your engine will have to compensate and push itself much harder to move your vehicle to full speed. Check the information sheet on the inside of the driver’s side door to see exactly how much air you should be filling your car’s tires with.

Ensure Your Gas Cap Is Sealed

If you are unsure why your vehicle is burning through gas so quickly, it may be because of your gas cap. Your gas cap ensures that oxygen does not get inside of your gas tank. Your engine needs a small amount of oxygen in the tank, but if there is too much, your engine will burn more fuel than is needed. Brand new gas caps can cost you up to $25, which in the long run, will save you hundreds of dollars in fuel economy.

Use Cruise Control When Safe

If you are driving on an icy or wet road, do NOT use cruise control. Cruise control should only be used when the roads are dry to ensure your tires are safely gripping the road. When it is safe to use cruise control, do so by setting your speed to the legal road limit and pay close attention to upcoming traffic conditions. By keeping your speed at a controlled rate, and reducing the amount of braking and accelerating, your will your gas mileage should improve.

By following the tips stated above, you will save money on fuel and reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle’s engine. Ensure that you go for routine oil changes and only use oil that is recommended for your engine. Contact Auto List of Canada for more information!