Fuel Economy Tips: Make Your Trip Last Longer (PART 2)

Here are more ways you can save money at the pump, brought to you by Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio, Texas.

• Keep tires properly inflated

Making sure your tires are properly inflated is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy. The US Department of Transportation reports that a properly inflated tire can improve your mileage by 3.3 percent. It is also safer, and keeping your tires inflated will ensure that they last longer. There are a lot of San Antonio auto repair shops that can test tire inflation for you.

• Don’t interrupt the air flow

Are you using your ski or bicycle rack? If not, make sure to remove it. Anything that sticks off your car can increase drag and interrupt airflow. This is the best time to keep your sunroof closed. You’ll be surprised how much money you will be saving by following these simple steps.

• Fix loose or damaged gas caps

Is your gas cap loose, missing, or damaged? The Car Care Council reports that having loose or damaged gas caps can already cost 147 million gallons of gasoline a year due to evaporation? This is especially true for those living in San Antonio where the summer heat can get harsh. Not only will cost you money in the long run, but it is even bad for Mother Nature. You can make a big difference just by making sure that your gas cap is tight.

• Avoid mechanical drag

If you’re a two-footed driver, you might not notice that even the smallest bit of pressure on the brake pedal causes the brakes to clamp down. This tiny bit of mechanical break drag can already suck your fuel tank dry quickly. It will also prematurely wear out your breaks and cost you more in the end.

• Turn off A/C

If you have a rear air conditioner, turn it off. Air conditioning is one of the top power-sapping car accessories. Other power hungry parts include navigation systems, entertainment systems, and anything else that is connected to your car. Just by turning off these systems (especially rear A/C) when you’re not using them can help your fuel economy.