How Do I Save Money On Gas?

Let’s improve your fuel economy.

Gas prices have risen significantly in recent months, along with inflation. We are all familiar with that feeling of shock as we watch the numbers on the pump climb higher and higher. That leaves many of us wondering, “How can I avoid the gas station for as long as possible?”

Luckily, there are simple ways to improve your fuel economy and prolong the life of gas in your vehicle. These tips fall under two main categories; maintenance and driving practices.

Maintenance tips to improve fuel economy

Preventing wear and tear on your vehicle can have a positive effect on its efficiency. If you want to avoid wasting gas and throwing money away at the pump, pay attention to the following factors.

Tire maintenance

The condition of your tires is a strong indicator of fuel efficiency. First, you want to be sure that your tires are the perfect fit for your vehicle. Tires that are too large can create excess weight that increases friction, leading to a higher consumption of fuel. 

Keep an eye on your tire pressure as well. In the winter, it is recommended that your PSI is slightly lower than normal to help with difficult driving conditions, but if the pressure is too low then you will have higher road resistance and use up more fuel. To find the right pressure for your tires, most cars have the recommended PSI levels printed on the driver’s side door jam. Otherwise, check your vehicle manual for the right levels.

Your tire treads can also affect fuel economy depending on the size of the treads. Treads that are too large for your vehicle will increase resistance and lower fuel efficiency. The best practice is to use tires with medium-sized treads.

Battery maintenance

Ensuring that your battery is charged and working properly can also improve your fuel economy as it relates to the alternator and fuel injectors.

Having a working alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery while driving, will help ensure efficient use of your fuel. A faulty alternator that fails to charge the battery can create resistance for the engine and lead to higher fuel consumption. If you suspect that your alternator is underperforming, bring your vehicle into Lou’s so we can check.

Additionally, a poorly charged battery can cause your fuel injectors to add more gas than necessary for the engine to run, decreasing the vehicle’s efficiency.

When your vehicle appears to be burning through gas too quickly, schedule an appointment with Lou’s Car Care so we can locate the issue and help you save at the pump.

Driving tips for better fuel efficiency

It is important to maintain your vehicle’s tires, battery, and other components to avoid wasting gas, but how you drive can also have an effect on fuel economy. These driving practices will help you avoid frequent trips to the gas station by preserving fuel.

Avoid unnecessary weight

A common-sense way to get more mileage out of your fuel is to keep your vehicle as lightweight as possible. Empty out the trunk and avoid storing unnecessary objects in your car, as every pound increases road resistance and lowers fuel economy.

Accelerate slowly and coast to decelerate

Stomping on the gas and brake pedals are horrible for efficiency. Accelerating too fast will burn through fuel quickly, while overuse of the brakes will waste forward momentum that you could save by coasting. 

Drive at steady speeds

Constantly speeding up and slowing down will use up gas quickly as well. Try to anticipate how the flow of traffic is moving and maintain a steady speed to improve fuel economy. Also, avoid excessively high speeds, since most cars are designed to be more efficient between 55 and 65 mph.

Lou’s Car Care can help you save on gas

Whether you want to see how vehicle maintenance can improve your fuel economy or you need to know the best driving practices for avoiding trips to the pump, our team at Lou’s can help! Give us a call today to start the conversation on protecting your wallet from high gas prices.

When it comes to auto repair and maintenance, Lou's Car Care is the right choice. Serving the Baldwinsville, Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cicero, Clay, Fayetteville and Manlius, NY communities since 1976. Call us at 315-352-5464 or schedule an appointment today!

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