How to Improve Gas Mileage in 6 Steps

Part of owning and driving a car is paying all of the expenses that go along with it after the initial purchase. While there are costs that rarely change, such as your monthly car payment, other expenses such as money spent at the pump can fluctuate due to changes in gasoline prices and the condition your vehicle is kept in. 

Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to avoid this and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Continue reading to learn how to improve gas mileage in six easy steps. 

6 Tips to Increase Your Fuel Economy 

Whether you’re trying to combat rising gas prices, or just want to reduce your budget these six expert tips will save you pain at the pump.   

1. Reduce the Weight In Your Car

Reducing the weight carried in your vehicle can drastically improve your gas mileage. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, reducing a vehicle’s weight by ten percent can improve the fuel economy by six to eight percent. So, clear out the extra bags and equipment from previous sports seasons, remove any trash, and put unnecessary toys back in their rightful place. Additionally, if you have storage equipment on your vehicle’s exterior, such as a toolbox or bike rack, you should remove them when they are not in use, as the added weight will take a negative toll on your gas mileage. 

Related: 5 Simple Ways to Spring Clean Your Car

2. Limit Idling 

Idling is leaving a vehicle’s engine running while it’s not in motion. Though sometimes drivers are forced to idle, like when you’re stuck in traffic, in most situations, it’s not necessary. The average engine burns half a gallon per hour while idling, and though that may not seem like much, a few minutes of idling every day can cost you several dollars at the pump. 

3. Maintain a Steady Speed

Speeding negatively impacts your car’s fuel consumption due to increased tire rolling and air resistance — in other words, speed can kill your gas mileage. In fact, fuel economy peaks around 50 MPH on most vehicles, and then begins to decrease as speed increases. To combat this, try to reduce your highway speeds by five to ten MPH, as it can increase your gas mileage by seven to 14 percent. 

Another way to help maintain a steady speed while driving is to utilize your vehicle’s cruise control feature. Minimizing your speed fluctuations on the road will end up saving you gas, and therefore money at the pump. 

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Poorly maintained vehicles are less efficient and burn more fuel — that’s why it’s important to check your tires at least once a month. When you have an underinflated tire, it has increased rolling resistance, which in turn reduces your fuel economy. In fact, according to The U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2 percent for every one psi drop in the average tire pressure. 

Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. However, if you can’t find it there, it can also be found in your owner’s manual. The average pressure for most passenger cars is between 32 and 35 psi. 

5. Avoid Poor Driving Habits 

Poor driving habits, such as heavy braking or acceleration can lower your fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent. So instead of handling your car like a race car driver, take it slow and steady so you can anticipate road conditions and monitor traffic more efficiently. In addition to saving money, driving more sensibly is much safer for you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers. 

6. Perform Routine Maintenance Checks

One of the best ways that you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your gas mileage is to have routine maintenance performed on your car. After all, tuning a neglected vehicle increases fuel economy by an average of four percent. 

A general rule of thumb is to have your vehicle serviced every six months. Your trusted technician will be able to diagnose any problem you may have and ensure that your car is in the 

best shape possible for all of the miles to come.  

Schedule Your Car’s Routine Maintenance at Lexington M&L 

We hope this blog served as a helpful resource as you begin to research how to improve gas mileage. Like we mentioned above, prioritizing routine maintenance is one of the best ways that you can improve your car’s fuel economy.

If you, or someone you know, needs a routine maintenance check on their vehicle, don’t hesitate to to contact our incredible team here at Lexington M&L! Use the button below or visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.