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It used to be rare to think of fuel economy as a major contributor to the total cost of owning a car. But with today’s gas prices, owning an inefficient car can add hundreds to your monthly budget. Whatever you drive, there are a few simple things you can do to help get the most miles per hard-earned dollar out of your ride.

Keep Tires at the Appropriate Pressure

Believe it or not, checking your tires often is the simplest way to get added miles per gallon out of your car. Low tire pressure can hurt gas mileage by as much as 3.3%. That might not seem like a lot, but it translates to around $0.11/gallon, or $50/year for the average American driver. If your car doesn’t have automatic tire pressure sensors, set a recurring reminder in your phone to check every few weeks. The best MPG will come when your tires are the correct size and are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Drive the Speed Limit

According to Edmunds.com, the best way to improve fuel economy is to accelerate slowly and brake over a longer distance. FuelEconomy.gov states that you can assume that for every 5mph you drive over 60mph, you’re spending an extra $0.20/gallon due to the decreased fuel mileage that you’ll experience. That’s nearly $100/year, or more for families with additional drivers. If you’re a habitual lead-foot, consider setting the cruise control to help get the best MPG out of your commute.

Avoid Hard Braking & Quick Acceleration

By braking slower over a longer distance when in traffic or when approaching a stoplight, you can help preserve momentum for when the light changes or traffic starts to move again. This will help you achieve better gas mileage, as frequent acceleration after a stop is a big drain on overall fuel efficiency. Quick acceleration and hard braking can reduce fuel economy by up to 33%. Vigorous driving is not only more dangerous; it will keep you from getting the best possible gas mileage out of your vehicle.

While these tips can help maximize your fuel efficiency, the fact is that most late-model cars get better gas mileage then their older counterparts. Newer design and technology mean that many of today’s cars edge out older models in both performance and fuel economy (not to mention safety). Over time, bad fuel economy may end up costing more than purchasing a newer, more fuel-efficient, vehicle. Weston Auto Gallery can help you find something affordable, fuel efficient and fun to drive!

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