According to the EIA, gas prices have increased on average by 49% over the past year. While this increase is brutal for drivers to swallow, many of us still need our cars to get us from place to place. To mitigate the pain at the fuel pump, we've come up with some good practices to follow in the face of soaring price increases.
- Don't add drag to your vehicle - If you're not using the heavy tools, cargo boxes, or sporting equipment that are sitting in your car, it's best to get that junk out of your vehicle. Excess weight can create drag on your car, making your brakes, transmission, and your engine work harder. According to the Department of Energy, you may see anywhere between a 2-20% difference in your MPG by removing a large cargo box.
- Watch your speed - Speeding often results in negative consequences, right? Reducing your speed and taking it slow can also reduce the drag on your vehicle. Not only can you better your mileage, but it's safer for you and those driving near you.
- Avoid idling at all costs - Most of us tend to idle when we're stuck in traffic or sitting in a drive-thru. Experts recommend that it's best to power off your engine and restart when needed to save gas. Furthermore, you may increase your idling habit to warm up your car during the winter. Unfortunately, most cars nowadays can heat up within a minute or less, so there's no need for excess idling.
- Keep your tires properly inflated - Proper psi in your tires is not only suitable for fuel savings but increased safety as well. To ensure you're getting the most out of your gas and tires, please regularly check your tire pressure and top off on air when needed.
- Stay on top of your car maintenance - Maintenance can save you from significant repair costs down the line, but it will save you money on fuel in the short-term and long term. Getting regular oil changes, spark plugs replacements, and sensor changes can make a world of difference in how efficiently your engine burns fuel.
For all your automotive maintenance needs, look no further than Springdale Automotive. Our skillful technicians can thoroughly inspect your car and give you the proper services to ensure that your vehicle runs efficiently as possible.