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10 Ways To Improve Your Gas Mileage

Roberta Willson • August 5, 2021
You might not be able to afford a new vehicle or you might have an older vehicle that was not made with gas mileage in mind. As gas prices are on the rise and a vehicle shortage affecting car purchasing - what you are currently driving might be what you are stuck with for the time being. So how do you save money on gas? Better gas mileage. Then, how do you get better gas mileage? Here are 10 tips to keep in mind in between trips to the gas station:

Cruise Control
Maintaining a consistent speed improves gas mileage since you are reducing the number of times you use your gas and brake pedal. 

Tire Pressure 
A result study showed that most vehicles on the road are underinflated. If your tires are under-inflated that could cost you up to 24 cents/gallon! In addition to the gas mileage, it will wear out your tires faster and require a new set sooner than intended. Check your tire pressure monthly to ensure you are operating at the desired PSI.

Regular Maintenance - Air Filter, Spark Plugs, Oil Changes, and Alignment

This should be a no-brainer but life happens and our vehicle maintenance sometimes takes a backseat. Engines take in over 10 million gallons of air through the filter every year and on older vehicles, this can really affect your fuel usage. Check your filter when you change your oil and be sure to replace it at least once a year. 


Spark plugs have a lifecycle and not replacing them in time can cost you wasted fuel each year. For example, if your spark plugs are 80,000 miles into their 100,000-mile lifespan, they are 80% worn and it would be a good time to replace them before they become inefficient. 100,000 miles might be generous so check your vehicle for the exact intervals you should be checking for replacement plugs.


Oil change and alignment should be checked regularly. Everyone knows that they need an oil change regularly but make sure you are also using the recommended oil for your vehicle - this will help you save on gas. Tire alignment could cost you more than you think, if your tires are dragging sideways, the tires are working harder and you are losing gas mileage. 

Drive Slower 
If you drive slower, you are less likely to be using your brakes and gas pedal. If you drive fast, remember that hard stopping and acceleration could cost you up to $750 a year!


Drive 55 mph

In fact, driving at or a little below 55 mph will save you the most in gas mileage. I know, no one wants to be the slowest one on the road or hold up traffic but operating at about 55 mph can save you up 15% in fuel consumption and I think that’s worth it. 


Lose the Extra Baggage
This one is quite simple, the less stuff in or on your vehicle, the lighter it becomes and the more you save on gas mileage. Extra weight on the roof racks or the bike racks will increase drag and decrease your gas mileage. 


Limit Idling 
If you are idle for more than one minute, you are wasting gas vs turning it off and then back on. Staying idle for longer could cost you 2 cents per gallon for every 2 minutes and that can add up over the course of a month or a year. 


Think Before You Brake

Overusing your brakes will obviously wear out your brakes faster and cost you more in the end but it will also affect that precious MPG. The more aggressively you brake, the more gas mileage you are using so be aware of your brake use and think about using them less. 


Fuel Type

Unless your vehicle requires it, there is no reason to use premium gas. Premium gas will not increase your gas mileage and the only difference you will find is less money in your wallet. 


Fill Up Early in the Morning or Late at Night 

If you know that you will need gas and can plan ahead, fill up your gas tank when it is coolest outside, early morning or late at night. The reason for this is that the fuel you pump will be denser and therefore you will get more gas for the same amount of money. 

Summary
These 10 tips can certainly be summarized by a few things: drive slower, maintain your vehicle by servicing it regularly and pay attention to the details as you drive. We all could save a little money these days so why not save on something you likely need to pay for on a regular basis. If your vehicle needs maintenance and you need a part or a mechanic, call R. H. Willson today, we would be happy to help you save money!


A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024
One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024
Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024
There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024
Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024
Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023
The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023
The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023
Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023
Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

Road Trip Ready: Your Vehicle Checklist

By Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023
It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle!
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