Whether you commute to work or run a business fleet, driving is a big part of your life. Your car is a big investment, and in order to make it go as far as it possibly can, you’re going to want to find ways to save gas, increase gas mileage, and cut down on yearly spending. Even if you have a fully green, energy-efficient car, however, it’s not a sure thing that you’ll be able to actually save money on gas if you’re still not doing all you can to cut costs on the road. The health of your car doesn’t just depend on your taking it into the auto repair mechanic richmond shop every few months to check for kinks and get your oil changed. If you want to save on gas and get great mileage, there are things you can actually do on the road to help you get the most out of your vehicle, not to mention keeping your car on the road for longer. Want to start making your car work for you? Here are a few easy ways to make your dollar stretch when it comes to gas.
Practice Safe, Consistent Driving
No matter what kind of driver you are, you can always try to be better and safer on the road. Trying to stay consistent while driving won’t just help you stay out of trouble and away from accidents. It can actually help your car get better mileage. While revving up your engine and doing a lot of frantic stopping and starting might be unavoidable in high traffic areas, you can still try to be gentler on your brakes and gas pedal to avoid overpaying for gas. It might not feel like you can end up saving a lot of money just by changing your driving style, but consider this: the less hard your car has to work, the less gas it will have to use. This goes double if you’re driving an older used car. Even doing small things like only using your AC when it’s absolutely necessary can help you save gas and drive a more efficient, cost-effective vehicle. Check this article for fuel efficient car.
Keep Tires Inflated
Your tires need to be not just inflated but filled to the right pressure in order to help give you a smooth ride. While a lot of us depend on our dashboard light to go on to clue us into the fact that tire pressure is getting low, this isn’t ideal by any means. It’s much better to check your tires manually with some regularity by using a tire gauge. Don’t just fill your tires to the point of exploding, either. Always check the side of your car door to get the correct pressure measurement for your vehicle rather than playing it by ear. Keeping your tires filled will help you avoid damage, and will help your car from over-exerting itself on the road due to low tire pressure. If you’re not sure how to check or refill your tires, you can always ask a mechanic to do this during a routine checkup.
Change Your Oil and Go In for Checkups
In addition to keeping your tires healthy and driving with caution, one of the most important things you can do to keep your car from guzzling gas is to take it into the shop at least every few months. This won’t just help you keep track of how your car is doing and deal with any warning signs early on. It will help you keep your car tuned up and healthy no matter what. Most people know to change their oil at least every few months, though the lifespan of a fresh refill varies from vehicle to vehicle. While you’re taking your car in for an oil change, take the opportunity to ask your mechanic how your car is doing. Have them do a routine tune-up, check for any damage or issues, and keep tabs on issues that might be affecting your ability to get good mileage. You can also ask your mechanic to take care of other routine maintenance tasks like tire rotation and flushing out your coolant or antifreeze chamber.
Don’t Weigh Your Vehicle Down
One of the easiest ways to keep your car from needlessly eating up gas on the road is to reduce “drag,” or undue resistance that could be keeping your car from breezing down the highway as easily. You can reduce drag by keeping your car free of needless impediments like bike racks, top tacks, and heavy baggage in the drunk, or simply keep your windows closed on the road to decrease wind resistance.
