How You Can Get Better Gas Mileage

Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio Texas lists down some practical tips on how you can get better mileage off your fuel.

• Observe your speed limit and use your car’s cruise control

Every vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speed ranges, but gas mileage decreases fast at the 50mph speed level. Therefore, every 5 mph over the 50 mph mark is like additional gas consumption per gallon. Using cruise control also helps in maintaining constant speed and saves gas.

Drive carefully and responsibly

Speeding, rapidly accelerating or braking lowers gas mileage up to 33%. Driving carefully also saves you from auto accidents and auto collisions, helping you save up more than just gas money in the process.

Avoid idling and rush-hour traffic as much as possible

Depending on the size of your engine and air conditioning, idling can waste up to quarter to half a gallon per hour. Always turn off your engine when you’re parked, since restarting your car will only take a minimal amount of fuel in comparison. Remember that excessively turning your engine on and off will wear your starter faster.

Maintain proper engine tune up

You can improve your car’s gas mileage up to 4% just by proper tune up. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor for example can improve your mileage by as much as 40%.

Limit items at the trunk

Not many are aware that putting too much weight at the back affects fuel economy by as much as 2% per 100 pounds.

Combine errands to lessen car trips

Not only will it save you time, doing several errands in one trip can increase fuel economy. Plan your trips so you can efficiently perform your tasks as well as reduce the distance that you will travel.

Use only the recommended motor oil

Using the right grade of motor oil that the manufacturer recommended can already improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent. It also helps if you choose a motor oil brand that has an energy conserving symbol since it has friction-reducing additives.