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Rath Auto Resources knows cars. And, we know we all love saving money. That’s why we put together a list of the best ways to get better gas mileage.
Make it easier on your car and your wallet by following these tips.
1. Slowing Down
This is one of the best tactics you can use to get better gas mileage.
The faster you drive, the more wind resistance your car must fight against. This force increases exponentially when you drive at speeds higher than 55 miles per hour. Give your engine a “brake” by slowing down.
2. Turning the Engine Off
Don’t let your engine run if you’re not going anywhere. Idling is one of the best ways to lose fuel efficiency.
Some say that the engine uses more fuel to start than it uses while it’s idling. Those people are wrong. Starting your engine takes less fuel than idling for one minute. Turn the engine off and save some gas.
3. Replacing Air Filters
Air filters keep the air that your engine needs crisp and clean. When your air filter is dirty, your engine is dirty. When your engine is dirty, it has to work harder to perform, and this lowers your fuel efficiency.
If you don’t want to change your own air filters, ask your mechanic to check and replace them next time you take your car in for an oil change.
4. Using Cruise Control
Cruise control is a game-changer, especially on highways. Use your cruise control feature liberally to save gas.
Your foot is constantly shifting and changing on the gas pedal. Cruise control keeps your vehicle traveling at one speed, cutting out the intermittent accelerations your foot would accidentally make.
Turn your cruise control off if you’re trying drive up a hill. It won’t be as effective or reactive as you are, but you can turn it back on once you’re done climbing.
5. Turning Off A/C
Using your car’s air conditioning requires power that the vehicle could be using for its engine. When you can, turn your A/C off to use that energy to save fuel.
If it’s a hot day and you don’t want to suffocate in your vehicle, this might not be an option. But, if you’re driving through the city, roll your windows down. If you’re on the highway, roll them up and use the A/C to decrease wind drag caused by the open windows.
6. Maintaining Your Car
The best way to ensure that your car is getting the best gas mileage it can get is to make sure that it’s getting the care it needs.
Don’t skimp on routine maintenance. This keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently. If you’re using dirty oil, you’re making more work for your engine. If your tire pressure is low, you’re making it more difficult for your vehicle to get traction.
If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. It will also save you money at the gas pump, and we can all use a little more of that.
Image via Flickr by Jeepers Media
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