In today’s economy it never hurts to watch your wallet. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey in 2021, the average American spent approximately $2,148 on gas per year, or about $179 monthly. If you regularly accumulate high mileage, you may have already wondered how to save money on gas. The benefits of saving on gas go far beyond your pocketbook. Learning how to save gas while driving can extend your vehicle's life and even reduce negative environmental impact. At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) we are committed to helping you achieve better gas mileage and an eco-friendlier future. By adopting better driving habits and practices you can reduce your carbon footprint and save a few extra miles per gallon.
Maintain your vehicle
One of the most overlooked ways to conserve gas while driving is to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance. It’s not enough to properly fuel your car, you should stay on top of routine oil and air filter changes and tire care. Try to schedule your maintenance checks before you see a crucial alert such as a ‘check engine light’ turn on. Adhering to a schedule of regular vehicle maintenance tasks can extend the life of your vehicle and increase your gas mileage:
- Tire care - According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a properly inflated tire can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3%. To find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, you can check your owner's manual or the sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb.
- Use the right motor oil - Adhering to regular oil changes and using the correct motor oil can boost your gas efficiency. The DOE states that gas mileage can be improved by 1-2% by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol.
- Change filters as needed - Changing air, oil, and fuel filters as necessary can help prevent harmful materials from entering your engine and the air. Over time a clogged filter can lead to decreased vehicle performance.
Look into electric vehicles
Looking to eliminate your gas mileage and help the environment? While once prohibitively expensive for many, today there are several more affordable options for electric vehicles. According to data collected by the DOE, current EV vehicles are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine.
Adjust your driving habits
According to the DOE, safe driving can potentially help keep your insurance costs down and increase your fuel efficiency. Adopting safer driving behaviors such as avoiding idling, speeding, and resisting rapid acceleration can aid in increasing your fuel economy. By ditching aggressive driving patterns, including constant braking, you can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Opt to use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed and if you must accelerate, try to do so at a moderate rate.
Other fuel-efficient driving habits can include:
- Turning off your engine if you are stopped for more than a minute - Idling for long periods greatly decreases gas efficiency.
- Use less AC in the summer - Using AC excessively can strain your engine leading to decreased fuel efficiency, try using your car’s economy setting or enjoying a breeze with the windows down.
- Utilize your vehicle’s overdrive gear - Using your car’s overdrive gear decreases your vehicle’s speed and can potentially save fuel and reduce engine wear.
- Avoid topping off your gas - While topping off a too-full gas tank can be tempting; this can cause gas to seepage. So, stop pumping when the gas pump nozzle clicks off.
Plan your trips efficiently
Drive smarter, not harder! By planning your trips efficiently, you can potentially save on fuel. Plan your outings logistically and try combining several errands into one trip. Combining trips cuts down on the distance you drive and allows you to travel more miles while your engine is warm and running more efficiently. Enlist navigation tools such as GPS to avoid road closures and congested areas. Look into telecommuting or try to participate in carpools or rideshare programs. Also consider using public transit to reduce your miles and carbon footprint.
Lighten the load
A car packed to the brim with bags, boxes, and gear will not run as efficiently as a vehicle with a lighter load. Try to remove all unnecessary items from your car and keep the trunk and back seat free of heavy items. The DOE estimates an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce
your MPG by up to 2 percent. If possible, remove your roof rack, since a loaded rack can reduce your fuel economy by up to 5%.
Save money on auto insurance
In today’s economy, it never hurts to watch your wallet! If you are ready to save on more than just your gas, let’s talk!
Call our qualified Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. team at 1-855-478-3705 and discuss our quality and affordable auto insurance options or receive a free auto estimate!
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