With gas prices at an all-time high, it makes sense to try and find ways to save on gas. At
Marthaler Toyota of Ashland, we want to help keep some extra money in your pocket to help combat the cost. Here are some tips for saving money on gas without making significant changes to your lifestyle.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Tires that are underinflated can reduce your fuel economy significantly. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and inflate it to the proper level. You can usually find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Also, check tires on cold mornings as they generally lose some air when the temperature drops.
Drive The Speed Limit
Driving above the speed limit can hamper your fuel economy. Driving faster puts more strain on the engine, and you burn more gas. Instead, take your time and enjoy the scenery while driving at the speed limit. Plan to leave for your destinations ahead of time so you are not tempted to speed. Also, avoid aggressive driving. Frequent braking and accelerating use more gas than gentle driving.
Limit Idling
Turn your car off and roll the windows down when you enter the store. It's a waste of gas to keep your vehicle running when you're not moving. Also, use the engine turn-off feature in your car if it has it. Many newer vehicles will automatically turn the engine off when you come to a stop and turn it back on when you press the gas. You'll be saving gas and helping the environment at the same time.
Limit Using Your Air Conditioner
The air conditioner requires a lot of energy to use. Whenever possible, limit the use of your air conditioner. You can do this by parking in the shade, using a sun visor or sunshade, and opening your windows. When you do use your air conditioner, set it to the “recirculate” setting so that it isn’t pulling in hot outside air. Many cars also have an economy mode that uses your air, but not to the fullest power.
Plan Your Routes Ahead of Time
Look for driving paths with the least number of stop-and-go. You can use a GPS or your smartphone to help find the most efficient route. You'll save time and gas by not getting stuck in traffic. If you can't avoid traffic, use the engine stop feature mentioned above.
Keep Your Car Maintained
Regular oil changes and tune-ups can go a long way to keep your car gas efficient. A well-maintained car will run better and get better gas mileage. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. The general oil change interval is every 5,000 miles or even longer with synthetic oil.
Use Regular Gas
Use standard gas unless your car's engine requires premium. Premium gas costs more, but it doesn't necessarily mean your car will run better. In fact, using premium when your car doesn't require it can actually damage the engine over time.
Remove Added Weight From Your Car
Do you still have Christmas decorations in your trunk? More weight in your car means your engine has to work harder and uses more gas. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk and save some gas money. Other ideas include removing car seats when they are not in use and decluttering your interior. Who knows, you could even use the extra cash for your Christmas gifts this year!
Use Cruise Control
It can be a little tricky to use cruise control, especially on newer cars. However, getting the hang of it is a great way to save some gas. When you use cruise control, your car maintains a consistent speed which helps to save fuel. Just be sure to take your foot off the pedal when going up hills or passing other vehicles.
Contact Marthaler Toyota of Ashland for Car Service
By following these tips, you can help save money on gas without making any major changes to your lifestyle.
Marthaler Toyota of Ashland is here to help keep your car running efficiently so that you can save money at the pump.
Schedule an appointment today for all your car maintenance needs.
