Getting More MPG out of Your Vehicle

Everyone wants to save money these days. However, with the rising prices of fuel, it is getting more difficult to do so. Here are a few tips on how to improve on your gas mileage to save you some of your hard earned dollars:

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving wastes gas. This can include speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking. Gas mileage can be reduced by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Plus, you can save more than money by driving safely. By driving more efficiently, you can save roughly $0.13-$0.89 per gallon, which can add up over time.

 

Observe the Speed Limit

Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. It can decrease so much that you can assume that you are going to pay roughly an extra $0.19 per gallon with every 5 mph you go over. You can gain 7%-14% in fuel economy by observing the speed limit and driving safer.

Avoid Hauling Cargo on Your Roof/Remove Excess Weight

Hauling cargo on your roof can increase wind resistance and thereby lower fuel economy. Also, avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle. The smaller your vehicle is, the more the extra weight will affect your gas mileage. You can save anywhere from $0.03 to $0.46 per gallon by cleaning out your car when the items are not needed and avoiding hauling items on your roof.

Avoid Excessive Idling          

Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour depending on several factors, including air conditioner use. It is better to turn your engine off when your vehicle is parked.

Use Cruise Control

This feature allows you to maintain a constant speed and will save gas.

Keep your Vehicle in Shape

By tuning your car and making sure your tires are properly inflated will also assist in keeping your savings up. You will want to make sure to take your vehicle in for regular servicing and check-ups, as well as changing filters and other needed items. The longer you wait, the more money you can lose due to nagging issues.

 

Combining Errands/Carpool

An obvious choice includes combining errands to save trips. Short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip. Carpooling is also an effective way to save fuel mileage since you split the cost with the people you travel with. Many urban areas also allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes which are often less congested.

Choosing a More Efficient Vehicle        

Thinking of buying a new vehicle? We can help you with that! There are many vehicles currently available that get great gas mileage, and by combining them with these tips, you can save even more! The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and 30 MPG is astronomical! Stop in or check out our inventory at www.thinkthelen.com to see what we have available.

Find more information at www.fueleconomy.gov. This website will help you find gas mileage estimates and other information for vehicles you may be interested in.

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