How to maintain your car to get the best gas mileage

 Whether you’re dealing with high gas prices or looking to shrink your budget, now is a great time to reflect on your driving habits. Surprisingly, there are several things you can do with your car to make the most out of your gas mileage which will save dollars at the pump.

1. Clear out the extra clutter – We all know there are some things you should keep in your car, like jumper cables, a spare tire, etc… However, other things left in your car might not be necessary. Did you know that an additional 100 pounds can reduce your fuel efficiency? Clear out things that you don’t use such as backpacks, sports equipment or extra books you might be lugging around when school was in session. You’ll be amazed at how things add up. Don’t forget about the outside of your car, too. Remove excess add-ons that increase wind resistance and decrease fuel efficiency, such as roof racks, cargo boxes or bike racks.
2. Limit idling – Long term Idling can really add up too. When sitting in long fast-food lines, turning off your engine while you wait may help save gas. Many late-model vehicles already provide the stop-start system and the engine will turn off automatically when idling. Idling uses more fuel than restarting your car and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you come to a stop and are waiting for someone, consider turning off your engine to save on fuel.
3. Keep your speed steady and within the speed limit – After reaching 45-50 mph, your car will begin to lose fuel efficiency. The faster you go, the less fuel efficient your car becomes. It’s best to drive the speed limit and use cruise control whenever possible. Rapid acceleration and hard braking eats up a lot of fuel, so avoid those actions whenever possible.
4. Check your tire pressure – When your tires are low on air, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 3%. Plus, without proper tire inflation, you risk wearing down your treads more quickly. Check your owner’s manual or the tire wall for the correct PSI for your tires.
5. Perform regular maintenance – Dirty air filters, clogged spark plugs and defective wires can all affect your fuel economy. Keep your car tuned according to your car’s maintenance schedule. Regular tune-ups will make your vehicle more gas efficient and it will produce fewer greenhouse emissions.
   
   

Now that you know how to maintain your car to get the best gas mileage, be sure to keep a lookout for low-cost car parts and ways to perform maintenance on your car yourself to save even more money. Check out UpliftCarsAndTrucks.com to learn more.