Are you always looking for ways to improve fuel economy?
Jackrabbit starts
One of the biggest ways to improve fuel economy is jackrabbit starts – you know, flooring the gas as soon as the light turns green. That really wastes a lot of fuel. Building up your speed at a slower pace uses less fuel and is easier on your engine and drive train. And don’t drive with one foot on the brake. That’s also a drag on fuel economy, and it wears out your brakes faster too.
Drive Slower
Drive slower when it is safe. Sometimes on the highway we drive an extra five, ten, even twenty mph over the speed limit. We do it to save time, but it only saves a few minutes out of maybe an hour long drive, and we may use 10 to 15 % more gas.
Take less trips
As motorists we can also try and combine all of their errands for the day into just one trip, rather than several. If you can put off a trip today that can be combined with one tomorrow – you can save some time and cash.
Use Cruise Control
Driving at a constant speed really improves gas mileage. Be sure to only use your cruise control in MN under safe conditions – you can look in your owner’s manual for some vital good tips on using your cruise control.
Reduce Weight
Did you know that reducing the weight in your foreign cars saves gas? Clean out the trunk or back seat from time to time so that you are not paying to carry around a lot of stuff around that you do not need in the car. In Minnesota there is a lot of snow and ice, clear it off your car. That adds weight and messes with aerodynamics too.
Avoid long idle times
Another tip is to avoid long idle times, which includes warming it up when you start. Modern engines do not require a long warm up to get going – just take it easy for a couple of miles. .
Bottom line – the better you maintain your vehicle, the less fuel you will use. It all adds up in a big way. For example, replacing your dirty engine air filter will pay for itself in improved fuel economy before your next oil change – and will keep saving you income after that.
A clean, well-maintained fuel system really pays big dividends in gas mileage for auto owners. A clogged fuel filter wastes gas. So does a dirty fuel system, grimy fuel injectors and plugged up PCV valves. A fuel system service decreases the gas you use, and increases the power – so auto owners can’t go wrong with that.
Some of us auto owners ignore our Check Engine light. But fixing the problem that caused the light to come on will usually save some fuel as well. It may be a bad oxygen sensor that can really rob your fuel economy.
And, it may be time for a tune-up. Tune-ups should improve your fuel economy. Don’t overlook the critical routine maintenance items, like scheduled oil changes, transmission and cooling system service. Dirty or low fluids actually use more fuel. Just look at your auto manufacturer’s recommended service intervals in the owner’s manual, or ask your Signal Garage Auto Care service advisor for the schedule.
Don’t forget your tires. Under-inflated tires waste gas. And if your wheels are out of alignment you won’t get the fuel economy you need.
None of these things are very complicated or expensive for car owners to stay on top of. When you maintain your car properly, you save gas today, and prevent pricey repairs tomorrow.
Schedule a maintenance appointment for your vehicle today!