The average gas mileage for an automobile in the US is 25.4 miles per gallon, which translates to about 12 kilometers per liter. But what if you could get more than that? What if you could increase your gas mileage by 10% or even 20%? All it takes is a few simple tweaks to your driving habits and car maintenance schedule. Please read all of it. In addition, here’s what you came here for the six fuel-saving tactics that will help optimize your gas mileage!
Remove Junk from the Trunk and Extra Weights
Did you know that having unnecessary items in your trunk can lower fuel economy significantly? It’s true! For every 100 pounds you add, gas mileage decreases by about one mile per gallon. So, the next time you go for a drive and have to take out that old futon or rack of clothes from your garage, do yourself (and the environment) a favor and take them out before your next trip. They also increase the tear and wear of other vehicle parts such as brakes, thus increasing the cost of maintaining the car.
Installation of a Performance Chip
Performance chips are installed in your vehicle’s engine and help you get the most out of gas mileage while also increasing horsepower. A bonus? You don’t have to do anything on your end! Just install it, forget about it for a few weeks/months, then enjoy better fuel optimization for the rest of your car’s life!
Use the Ideal Oil for Your Vehicle
Motor oil can be a deciding factor for how efficiently your car uses gas. Some have more efficient designs, some are slicker-less, so they don’t use as much oil, and different vehicles may need better types of motor oils. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to get an idea of what type is best suited for your vehicle!
Turn Your Car Off When Not Using
Your car doesn’t need to be running if it isn’t being used. And even when you are using it, try to do so at a moderate speed rather than high speeds or accelerating quickly. This will save your engine life and help maximize gas mileage in the long run.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Remember to check your tire pressure every time you fill up on gas. Improper inflation can lower fuel economy by 0.64% for every pound per square inch (PSI) below ideal. If you’re unsure how much PSI is needed, look at the door jamb sticker that says all the things you need to know about your tire, including the pressure.
Make Sure You’re Using Your Gas Tank Correctly
Most of us tend to fill up and then stop using it as soon as we can no longer see those low gas lights on our dashboards. However, your car’s best fuel economy comes at about a three-quarter full tank (75%). So, why not take advantage of your newly earned information and optimize your gas tank today?