People currently looking to make every penny count surely want to know how to improve gas mileage. With current gas prices, even drivers of cars with best gas mileage want to improve fuel economy. Surprising as it may be, you can find real relief at the gas pump by heeding the simple tips that follow.
1-Ensure Proper Tire Inflation
Improving gas mileage can be as convenient as a visit to the air pump at your local gas station. When the tires on your vehicle are inflated correctly, you could save up to $0.08 per gallon of gas. You will also save money on the cost of replacing tires. Under-inflated tires wear out prematurely. Getting your tires rotated and balanced regularly also improves fuel economy and the tires’ durability.
2-Lighten the Load
Unnecessary items in your car are putting a drag on fuel efficiency. Remove them, keeping in mind that cargo weight is more of a fuel factor in smaller cars than in larger vehicles. Every additional 100 pounds removed can reduce fuel consumption by up to 1 percent, an estimated $0.06 per gallon. A lighter load also reduces the stress on other vehicle components, such as the brakes and engine.
3-Avoid Engine Idling
A top gas saver is to turn off your vehicle’s engine if idling will last more than 30 seconds. Your engine doesn’t need to warm up before you begin driving again. Newer vehicles automatically switch off the engine after idling for a few seconds. For every 2 minutes your car is off instead of idling, you save up to $0.02 per gallon.
4-Change the Engine Air Filter
If your car’s air filter needs changing, replacing it could cut fuel consumption by up to 15%. A dirty air filter clogs up your engine with debris and dust. This means your engine must work all the harder to draw in air needed to mix with fuel. You may decide to stop shopping for cars with the best gas mileage after investing in an engine air filter change.
5-Get an Alignment
Hitting one major pothole could have an impact on your vehicle’s alignment. Even the basic series of everyday potholes can cause your wheel system to become misaligned. Anytime front-end alignment is needed, tires wear out more quickly, various engine components are forced to work harder, and fuel-efficiency takes a big hit. You could save up to $0.28 per gallon by getting a wheel alignment.
6-Cash in on Fuel Density
Whenever possible, put gas in your tank during the coolest times of the day. It’s a matter of science but not too difficult a concept. Fuel is dispensed by volume, not by density. There is greater density to fuel when it’s cooler outside. For the same amount of money, you get more gas by pumping early in the morning or late at night, saving as much as $0.08 per gallon.
Visit Shur-Way Auto Body Today
If you need collision repair services in the St. Louis MO area, visit Shur-Way Auto Body Shop and not just for purposes of fuel economy. We are family-owned, and we stand behind our work with a 100% guarantee. The location of our shop is 3540 Greenwood Blvd. in Maplewood MO. Visit us or call today at 314-645-5540.