8 Things You Can Do To Save On Gas
- Author: Alicia Cole
- Posted: 2024-05-14
Gas prices continue to fluctuate. This means that it’s time to find ways you can stretch your gas mileage. You don’t have to spend money upgrading to a fuel-efficient vehicle. There are a number of things you can do to maximize your gas mileage. Here are 8 things you should consider.
1. Go Slow on the Gas and Brakes
Gas mileage usually increases while driving at 50 mph and above, averaging $0.23 for every five mph beyond 50 mph. According to CNBC, As you accelerate, your car’s engine will work harder and suck more gasoline.
Besides quick acceleration, sudden braking at all times could also waste fuel. The best way to tackle this is coasting as you approach a red light or while driving down a hill.
2. Reduce Your Idling
If you have a newer car model with a start/stop engine, switch it off if you have to wait for more than 40 seconds. According to the U.S Department of Energy, you only need 10 seconds of gas to start a car. Therefore, it’s best to switch off the vehicle if you stay idle for more than 10 seconds.
Please note that this recommendation only applies to newer car models. They have a heavy-duty starter that can accommodate dozens of daily starts.
3. Accelerate Quickly
This may sound odd and contrary to the idea of slowing down to cut on your gas. However, accelerating to your desired speed is more fuel-efficient. Drive Safely states that if you stay in a lower gear, your vehicle will be at a higher RPM and consume more fuel.
However, this doesn’t mean you must stomp the pedal to the floor. All you have to do is quickly accelerate to a higher gear within the shortest time possible.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure
Drive Safely also recommends that every driver know how to check their tire pressure. You have to maintain the recommended inflation level. Otherwise, your fuel efficiency will drop by 0.4% for every PSI below this level. This is contrary to the myth that overinflating tires would increase your mileage.
5. Do Away with The Roof Rack
Studies have shown that a roof rack and other accessories can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Therefore, taking it off and any additional accessories you’re not planning to use is crucial to saving on your cost.
6. Lighten Your Car
Autoblog indicates that having a lot of weight in your car can affect its performance. A lighter car accelerates quickly and is easy to brake. Therefore, it’s recommended to do away with unnecessary things such as a subwoofer, bowling ball, and toolbox to save on your fuel.
According to the U.S Department of Energy, offloading 100 pounds from your car would improve your mpg by 1%. It may not be too much, but it can help you save on gas in the long run.
7. Use the Right Oil
Engine oils used in the 80s and 90s had an oil viscosity of 10W-40, but this has been reduced to 0-30W. This results from the low tolerance in modern engines’ internal parts. Using thick oil slows down an engine’s moving parts, resulting in more fuel usage to keep them running.
Therefore, it’s crucial to use the recommended oil by the carmaker to maximize your car’s efficiency. It’s also essential to check the oil levels to avoid damaging vital parts of your car’s engine.
8. Pay Attention to Your Next Car’s EPA Rating
Every car has its EPA rating. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy a new car, you should consider its EPA rating to determine its fuel efficiency. CNBC recommends vehicles with an EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon.
However, an electric car would be much better with vehicles such as the Tesla Model S Long Range, offering up to 111 miles per gallon.
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