As the temperature rises, so do the prices at the gas pump and the miles on our cars. We pack up and head north to the lake, the cabin, and simply make more trips running kids to summer camps and activities. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a hybrid to save on the amount of gas (and money) reduce you’ll use.
Try these 5 unbelievably easy tips to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage:
1. Find the cheapest gas station
According to AAA, the Twin Cities Metro Area gas prices have been lingering around $2.77/gal for regular and $3.21/gal for premium.
But with the GasBuddy app, you can save money, save time, and never pay full price for gas again! Available for free on Google Play and on the App Store, skip the high prices and find a lower fueling station, even in Elk River, MN!
2. Check your tire pressure
One of the cheapest ways to improve your gas mileage is to keep your tires properly inflated. Check the air pressure when the car has been sitting for a few hours so you get an accurate reading. Check your owner’s manual but for most newer cars, 32 psi to 35 psi is the recommended range.
3. Travel light
It’s easy to overpack when going on vacation but remember that for every 100 extra pounds you add to your car, the miles per gallon fuel efficiency is reduced by about 1 percent.
Think that stashing things on the roof will eliminate your issue? Think again! Rooftop cargo carriers create extra drag that can cut fuel economy by as much as 25 percent when traveling at highway speeds. You’re better off packing only what you need and to load it inside the car.
4. Be a polite driver
It pays to be polite! Speeding, tailgating, hard braking, and accelerating, as well as eccentric lane changes, can lower your gas mileage up to 30% when driving on the highway. Being a courteous driver is not only safer for drivers around you, but it’s also safer on your wallet.
5. Go easy on the AC
Running your car’s air conditioning in hot weather is the main contributor to reduced fuel economy. In fact, on very hot days, you can reduce your car’s fuel economy by more than 25%, particularly on short trips. At slower speeds, you are better off rolling down the windows to cool off, letting in a breeze.
At high speeds, however, open windows create a drag which slows the car down, reducing fuel economy. In this case, only turn the AC on as much as needed and set the temperature at the highest possible to keep you comfortable.
Coverage From All Sides
Do you have other methods that you use to improve your car’s gas mileage? We’d love to hear about them! Please let us know by posting about it on our Facebook page!
Peter Cole, insurance agent and partner at Pentagon Insurance Agency in Elk River, MN, began his career in the industry more than 30 years ago. He prides himself on backing up every sale by personally providing service to his clients and by providing the coverage they need at the best possible price.
Contact Peter to discuss your situation today!
