With gas prices setting records daily, it’s no wonder why we have to monitor miles now more than ever. Most of us reset the odometer every time we fill up, and track mileage so the tank is never empty. You may have noticed recently that a full tank just ain’t what it used to be. What once was close to a 380 gallon tank according is now in the 340 range.
Believe it or not, there was a time when twenty-five big ones would fill the average tank. Today $25 fills half a tank! Three eighths on a midsize used car is more precise, but who’s counting?
It’s no surprise that a drastic change in miles per gallon (MPG) has many drivers on edge. Especially when you drive up to your favorite local gas station only to bitterly notice the gas price has crept up another 3 cents. Don’t satisfy that itch to mail your local congress person just yet. Instead, try these four tips to help you save on miles:
(Estimated savings and benefits based on price range of $3.59 to $3.75 per gallon)
You do the math: Less acceleration plus fewer brake to gas transitions equals more MPG.
Be sure to visit your trusted service center regularly.
- Lose the weight – Avoid keeping unnecessary items in or on your vehicle. Storage racks, bikes, groceries among many other removable items can add up in weight and reduce your MPG between 2 and 8%.
- Don’t listen to old myths – Whoever said it takes more gas to turn on your car and that you should leave it running was wrong! Idling can cost you a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, sometimes even more if your air conditioner (AC) is on full blast. But, it takes only a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle. Always turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked.
- Avoid road rage – You heard this before, and it’s a good reminder. Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent just around town. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) states that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.26 per gallon of gas.
- Let the cruise control you - Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas. Cruise control helps you avoid road rage, maintain the speed limit, and release fewer car toxins into the air.
You do the math: Less acceleration plus fewer brake to gas transitions equals more MPG.
Be sure to visit your trusted service center regularly.