We all love money, right? What we don’t love is spending money unnecessarily.
You may not realize it, but if your car isn’t as fuel efficient as possible, you’re tossing dollar bills onto the pavement every time you step on the gas.
Ready to change that? Here are five ways you can improve your gas mileage and keep money in your wallet:
1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
A lot of people don’t realize the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure, but it’s one of the simplest things you can do to keep your gas mileage where it’s supposed to be. When your tires are deflated— even by just a few PSI— the rolling resistance on the ground increases.
The harder your tires have to work to make a single rotation, the more money you’re spending in fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures they’ll make the most efficient journey around the axle.
2. Accelerate at an Acceptable Rate
Being a speed demon may feel like fun when you’re in the moment, but a pedal-to-the-medal habit is costing you unnecessary expenses as far as your gas mileage is concerned.
Instead of standing on your gas pedal when it’s time to make your car go, accelerate at a steady, even pace. This will keep your car from burning excessive fuel.
3. Watch the Weight
Your vehicle may be able to hold multiple people, tons of luggage in the trunk, and some sports gear on the roof, but every element you add to the basic weight of the car is forcing it to work harder to get from here to there. The harder your engine has to work, the more fuel your burning.
To optimize the amount of mileage you get out of each tank of gas, be careful not to exceed your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). GVWR is the maximum weight limit your vehicle should ever be subjected to. Surpassing this maximum not only causes you to spend more money on gas, but it can also severely damage your vehicle.
4. Make Sure You Have Maintenance Checks Performed Regularly
Did you know a dirty air filter can wreak havoc on your fuel economy? Or if your oxygen sensor isn’t working correctly, your fuel efficiency could be off by as much as 40 percent?
You don’t necessarily need to know the intricate details about how each part affects your automobile’s gas mileage, but it’s important to understand why regular maintenance matters. Your mechanic will take care of the rest.
5. Use the Right Motor Oil
Your car will likely run on most types of motor oil, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal. Different grades of oil are formulated to work best on different types of engines; giving your engine the oil that’s recommended for it by the manufacturer ensures optimal efficiency.
A few simple changes can make a big difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. Maintaining your car’s overall health can easily put a few dollars back into your pocket.