Gas Prices Soaring: Save Money On Gas With These Fuel Efficiency Tips

Gas prices have been soaring, as the national average is $4.32 per gallon as of today. We all know that gas is a major necessity in life. We have to travel to get to places, like work or school. While it is needed, there are ways to help you reduce how much of it you are using. We are sharing some fuel efficiency tips with you today to help save some money at the pump.

1. Check Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires will decrease your gas mileage. To help evenly distribute the wear and tear on your tires, you should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. From there, you should also check the manufacturers' recommendations for the tire pressure and make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI. You should measure the PSI when the tires are cold (car has been parked for three or more hours).

2. Perform Routine Maintenance

On that same note, your car needs the right proportions of air, oil and fuel to run efficiently. A vehicle is going to run at its best when it is well maintained. Misfiring spark plugs can affect gas mileage, which is why regular maintenance can help deliver the manufacturer's estimated fuel economy.

3. Use Cruise Control

The speed you are driving at affects your gas mileage. When you are gunning the engine or speeding, you are wasting fuel. If you are stopping and going in traffic, you are wasting gas. Most vehicles see the miles per gallon of gas decrease when over 50 mph. To help you save gas, you should try and stay at or under the speed limit and drive at a consistent speed, which is why you should use the cruise control when possible.

4. Keep Unnecessary Weight Out Of The Vehicle

By keeping extra weight in your car you are creating a drag on the engine, which consumes extra gas. If you don't need to, don't haul around heavy loads in your vehicle. Check your trunk or back of your vehicle for any unnecessary items that you could remove and safely store them somewhere else.

5. Turn Off The Engine

Many people do this, but if you aren't driving your vehicle then turn it off. Instead of letting your car idle while sitting in a parking lot waiting for someone, turn off the engine. You use less gas by starting your car than by letting it idle that entire time.

6. Combine Errands

Plan out your errands or trips you need to make in the vehicle. You should plan them out in sequence so you aren't backtracking and driving all over town when not necessary. Also, don't run out and do one quick errand, unless it is necessary. Save them and do a bunch at one time, which saves on the number of trips you are taking.

7. Carpool

While many people were working from home during the pandemic, a lot of people are heading back into the office to work now. To help ease on some of that gas money, carpool with any coworkers that might live nearby. By giving each other a ride one or two days a week, you will be saving quite a bit of gas over time.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.