Nobody likes paying for gas and everyone is always trying to increase their miles per gallon (mpg). Fuel prices have been relatively low recently but are prone to spikes, and it still definitely isn’t cheap. Here are a couple of tips to help you squeeze out every bit of efficiency you can from the pump.
Go Easy When You Drive
Probably the easiest thing you can do to increase your mpg is to drive slower. The slower you drive, the less gas you will be using. It’s good to drive at or under 45mph whenever possible and not to go over 65mph whenever possible. Over 65mph you are using a lot of engine power to overcome drag which in turn is going to result in an increased use of fuel and a decrease in mpg.
DON’T BRAKE!
Obviously you are going to have to brake at times. Don’t take this as us telling you to never use your brakes. But simply put, the more you brake, the more you are going to have to re-accelerate. You want to accelerate and decelerate gradually. So don’t take off out of your drive way, and if you see the light is red don’t pull up fast and stop. Gradually adjust your speed, and try and let your car coast when possible.
Cheap Gas = Good Gas
When you pull up to the pump what kind of gas do you get? Regular? Medium? Supreme? Many people struggle knowing what kind of gas to put in their car. They want to put “the best” gas into their car, or feel embarrassed buying “cheap” gas.
For almost all standard consumer cars, regular is fine, and medium and supreme will not help your car at all. Only higher-end cars with high compression engines need medium or supreme. If your car manual says regular gas is fine, or doesn’t mention it needs medium or supreme, then go with regular. Otherwise you will just be spending more money, without receiving any increase in performance.
Lose Your Weight
The heavier a car is, the harder it is to move. Which means the engine needs more power to move it and must burn more gas. You’re going to want to make your car as light as possible. We’re not saying take off your side mirrors or your bumper. But maybe take out that Crock-Pot you’ve been meaning to return, or take off the bike rack from your trip you took in July. Every little bit helps, so just try and remove clutter from your car and your average mpg will improve.
Technical Help
All of these are adjustments you can do on your own. But there are some changes a skilled mechanic can do to increase your mpg. Changing your oil, spark plugs, or your air filter can all help increase your mpg. And these are tasks you can have your local Annapolis mechanic complete for you.
Looking for an experienced Annapolis, MD auto mechanic? Here at Choisser Import Auto Services our commitment is to helping you keep your vehicle on the road with honest service at a fair price. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 410-867-2122!