Rising gas prices may have you thinking twice about ways you can save at the pump. Luckily, there are a few tips you can follow to conserve fuel and reduce your environmental impact. Keep money in your pocket with our guide on how to improve gas mileage in a car, truck or SUV.
1. Find a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Whether you’re in the market for a new car or you’re buying a vehicle for the first time, selecting the right vehicle is important.
The size of the car, truck or SUV you’ll buy will influence its fuel economy. A hybrid vehicle is an excellent option for someone who is not ready to make the transition to a fully electric car. Prioritize fuel efficiency during the selection process by thinking about the size of your family, the items you travel with frequently and the type of drivetrain you want.
You can also explore fuel economy ratings and gas-saving features available in a vehicle prior to purchasing by looking it up online.
2. Respect Your Vehicle
It’s vital to maintain your vehicle for as long as you own it to ensure you get the best fuel efficiency. Any additional weight or mechanical stress will lead to increased fuel consumption, so remove heavy equipment or personal belongings from the trunk when you’re not using them. Additionally, taking cargo racks off the roof of your vehicle may reduce aerodynamic drag and increase your fuel savings.
Part of achieving consistent fuel efficiency is following the recommended maintenance intervals from your car’s automaker. Regular oil change services will keep your engine running at peak performance levels. Ensure the mechanic working on your vehicle knows the correct type of oil your vehicle requires so that everything under the hood functions properly.
Air conditioning and heating systems use fuel, so take care of your vehicle by parking in the shade or a heated garage to limit how often these systems run. Other fuel-saving care tips include buying high-quality fuel, checking tire pressure and driving your car to an automotive shop when the “check engine” light is on.
3. Monitor Your Driving Habits
There are several ways to reduce fuel consumption from the driver’s seat. Try the following methods to see how you can save money and stick to your monthly budget:
- Minimize unnecessary acceleration.
- Plan your trips to eliminate backtracking.
- Stop idling for long periods.
- Take advantage of cruise control to reduce speed fluctuations.
- Abide by highway speed limits to prevent your vehicle from working overtime.
- Plan trips to stay out of rush hour traffic.
- Buy an electronic transponder to move through toll roads without stopping.
4. Find a Trusted Source for Auto Maintenance and Repairs
Locating a professional repair shop in your area is essential for the health of your vehicle. With Irish Mike’s Total Car Care in Orlando, Florida, you can help increase fuel efficiency by having our team complete oil change services, wheel alignments, tire rotations and air conditioning system maintenance.
We’re known for our free 36-point car inspections, which make it possible to find small problems with your vehicle before they become serious issues. Taking your car, truck or SUV to an experienced team for repairs and maintenance makes all the difference when you’re trying to improve its fuel economy.
Schedule a Repair Visit With Irish Mike’s Online
Irish Mike’s has been serving the Orlando, Florida, area since 1995. We have the equipment, tools and expertise to mitigate issues with your vehicle so that it serves you for years. Set up an appointment with our shop by filling out a form online. We stand by our work with a two-year or 24,000-mile guarantee on the jobs we complete!