With Memorial Day weekend just here and summer not far behind this is normally the time of year people are gearing up for weekend getaways and vacation travel destinations. This year with gas prices at an all-time high and looming threats of even more dramatic climbs, one wonders how this will affect everyone’s usual summer plans. Fuel costs has not only dramatically increased the cost to travel by car, but it has also had quite an impact on air travel as well. No one wants to cancel vacations if they can help it, so with that in mind we would like to share some ways that you can increase your fuel efficiency, which in turn should have you spending less at the pump each month.
There are quite a few ways that you can improve your fuel efficiency and we will not touch on all of them (just some of the bigger ones):
Drive the speed limit.
Driving the speed limit may not be exciting and you may not arrive to your destination early, but it sure helps with fuel economy. Anytime you are driving over 40 mph your fuel efficiency is taking a hit – and the fast you go, the less fuel efficient your vehicle will be. Additionally, going the speed limit often cuts down on the amount of speed ups and slowdowns you must make. Set the cruise control if you can and just enjoy the ride.
2. Avoid excessive idling.
Sitting in the driveway or in a store parking lot with the a/c blowing and the car idling is a HUGE gas-burner for sure! Sometimes it just cannot be helped, of course, but in circumstances that it can just know it will help you save fuel.
3. Quit the “herky-jerky” driving.
Herky-jerky driving is not a technical term (in case you were wondering) but it’s basically accelerating very quickly, braking hard, and overall, some reckless driving behaviors. All these things affect your fuel efficiency. Learn to accelerate slowly and smoothly and to give enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you that you should not have to brake hard.
4. Ensure your tire-pressure is correct.
Many people are unaware that tire pressure can affect your fuel efficiency. Your owner’s manual will tell you what the best tire pressure for your vehicle is, but generally you are safe with a 33 psi if you do not have access to your owner’s manual.
5. Fill up in the cooler times of the day.
Gasoline may be a liquid as it com.es out of the fuel pump and into your vehicle, but it carries fumes and has a low point in which it turns to a more gaseous state meaning it can evaporate, too. When you fill up during the hottest parts of the day you can have some evaporation and thus more money to fill your tank. So, in the hot months, try filing up in the early morning hours before you head into work or later in the evening after the sun has started to set and the temps drop
This is not an exhausted list by any means of things you can do to help get better fuel economy and save some bank at the tank, but its certainly a good start to some savings. Be sure to regularly maintain your vehicle, too. Not only does that keep things working better, but that can help you identify problems and leaks that may be keeping your vehicle working as efficiently as it could. If you need help with your vehicle’s maintenance, know that the technicians at OKC Auto Works can help you out with that – just give us a call! (405) 364-8200