Are you getting the best gas mileage out of your vehicle that you can? There’s a good chance that you aren’t. Want to change that? Look no further. There are plenty of reasons that your car could be getting bad gas mileage, and most of them can be fixed. Now, if you purchased a gas-guzzler, we regret to inform you that we’re at a loss for helping you out with that. But, otherwise, we hope these five tips will be helpful to you, and help you help your vehicle reach its fullest potential.
1. Check your tires.
Know what your tires should look and feel like. Check them consistently to ensure not only that you’re getting good gas mileage, but that you’re staying safe as well. Underinflated tires are reported to cause your vehicle’s gas mileage to drop by 1% for every two pounds that they are under-inflated. With properly inflated tires, your gas mileage can increase by as much as 3%.
2. Check your engine.
If your car hasn’t had a tune-up lately, now is the time for that to happen. If your car is tuned up, your efficiency can increase by 4%, and in some cases, a lot more.
3. Clean out that trunk.
Are you one of those people that keeps everything but the kitchen sink in their trunk? Well, time for some spring cleaning. If you take out 100 pounds worth of things from your trunk, your gas mileage can increase by 1 to 2%.
4.Take off your roof rack.
Ski season is pretty much over, so it’s time for that roof rack to come down. Not only is it unnecessary, it messes with the aerodynamics of your vehicle, causing your gas mileage to drop by as much as 5%. If you’re not using it, don’t drive with it!
5. Use the right oil.
Check out your owner’s manual and make sure that you are using the recommended grade of oil. Additionally, keep an eye out for the American Petroleum Institute’s “Energy Conserving” symbol the next time you purchase motor oil. When using the right oil, your gas mileage can improve by 1 to 2%.
These are just a few things you can do to help pad that wallet just a tad. A few minutes of your time to check them out now can save you money in the long run! Check back again for more tips.