5 Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

If you are like a lot of people, you are always looking for ways to save a little money here and there. And, when it comes to vehicles, the number one cost is gasoline. In fact, just putting gas in your car can be among the top monthly expenses in your personal budget, especially if you drive an SUV. Regardless of make or type of car, we put together some quick tips to help you improve gas mileage.

Better Gas Mileage Tip #1 – Obey the Speed Limit

While, this may not make you a lot of friends on the highway, keeping to the posted speed limit can help you save on gas.  Compared to going 15 mph over the speed limit, just driving at the speed limit can increase fuel efficiency by 14 percent. The fact is, fuel economy drops rapidly when driving over 60 mph. Consumer Reports found for an SUV, dropping its speed from 75 to 55 mph increased efficiency by 33 percent.

Improved Gas Mileage Tip #2 – Avoid Rapid Braking and Acceleration

Stomping rarely helps anyone, especially if you are looking to improve gas mileage. When it comes to accelerating and braking, avoid stomping on them. In fact, if you frequently accelerate or brake rapidly, your fuel efficiency can drop as much as 37 percent. Drive proactively and keep your eyes looking ahead so you can gradually slow down and speed up.

How to Improve MPG Tip #3 – Cut Down on Idling

When you are idling, you are not going anywhere. So, Consumer Reports found you can increase your fuel efficiency simply by turning off your engine when you are just sitting there and going nowhere. They suggest only doing this if you are going to be idling for 30 or more seconds.

Better Gas Mileage Tip #4 – Cruise Control

This tip only applies to flat surfaces, but Edmunds found that by using cruise control you can improve fuel efficiency by 14 percent. However, on hilly terrain, you will want to turn off cruise control as it can diminish your fuel economy.

Better MPG Tip #5 – Change your Air Filter

If your air filter gets clogged with dirt and debris, it makes it harder to deliver air into your engine. So, your engine must work harder and guzzle more fuel. Changing out your air filter with a new and clean one can help you increase fuel economy by 13 percent. But, it will gradually decrease as the air filter gets dirty. But, you should change it out every once or twice a year to help keep your fuel economy strong.

How to Use this Information

We hope these tips to improve gas mileage will put a little extra money in your pocket so you can save on gas. Like we said, it is one of the biggest items on your budget, right next to daily doses of coffee drinks at your favorite java joint. As always, if you have need of auto body repair, paintless dent repair, or more, call us at 303-344-2212 or contact us online.