Gas consumption in this country isn’t at an all-time high, but it’s close. We still spend a lot of money at the pump, which has many wondering how to get better mpg.
Americans consumed 390 billion gallons of gasoline in 2015. That translated to over 384 million gallons each day.
The average gas price in America is always fluctuating, and it’s hard to tell when it will spike unexpectedly.
Cutting down on gas consumption might be easier than you think, though, whether you’re environmentally conscious or trying to save a few dollars
Thankfully, there are several simple steps you can take to give your car improved fuel economy.
Drive Responsibly
The first and simplest of the ways to improve gas mileage is to change your driving habits. If you’re always zooming around, stopping short, and accelerating quickly, you’re going to use more fuel.
You’ll be stunned to see how long your gas tank will last when you go only 10 mph slower on the highway. Instead of speeding to a red light, stop gradually for even more savings.
Reduce the Load
If you’re carrying a bunch of junk in your car that you don’t need, get rid of it. Extra weight in your car will require more energy to move. Increased energy means your car uses more gas.
Increase mpg by removing some of these heavy items from your car altogether. If you typically transport items on your roof, you should put them inside the car (if they fit) as well to reduce drag.
Inflate Your Tires Properly
Properly inflating your tires is another easy tip that improves gas mileage.
Keeping your tires adequately inflated reduces drag, which makes it easier for your car to move along the road. Less drag means decreased resistance, and you may start to notice your car feels smoother while driving.
You should check the inflation of your tires every few months. Pay special attention to them when the seasons change.
Also, make sure that your tires are fresh with the maximum amount of tread. If your tires aren’t sticking to the road the right way, you’re leaving some gas mileage behind.
Don’t Let Your Car Idle
The secret to increasing miles per gallon might not have anything to do with driving after all.
A lot of people tend to think that it takes more energy to start the car than it does to let it run. This is true if the car is idle for about a minute, but after that it’s incorrect.
If your car idles for over a minute, it uses more fuel than it would take to start it up. Shut off your car when you’re waiting for someone.
Keep Your Car in the Shade
If possible, leave your car nit he shade when you park at home. Direct sunlight causes gasoline to evaporate, meaning you’ll lose fuel without even driving.
Steps to Improved Fuel Economy
You might not notice your car’s improved fuel economy with one of these small changes. If you incorporate a few of these, though, you’ll certainly start to see that you aren’t stopping at the pump as much as you used to.
Need some more car maintenance tips? Take a look at our blog!