Maintenance Tips - Fuel Efficiency

In an age where the price of a gallon of gas is influencing our driving habits we want to do everything possible to get optimal gas mileage. Here are some tips to help you improve your gas mileage.

• Observe the speed limit (5-33% improvement)

Although every vehicle is different and reaches its optimal gas mileage at different speeds, gas mileage suffers at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb you can estimate that for every 5 mph over 60 you drive, you are paying an extra $0.20 per gallon.

• Avoid aggressive driving (5-33% improvement)

Observe the speed limit

• Avoid excessive idling (1-2% improvement)

When your car is idling you are getting ZERO miles per gallon. Even a short time of turning off the engine is worth the cost of the gas (especially with fuel injected cars).

• Reduce excesss vehicle weight (7-23% improvement)

Extra weight in the trunk means lower gas mileage. A reduction of 100 pounds could gain you an additional 2%. The reduction of weight will effect smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

• Use Overdrive Gears (1-2% improvement)

When you drive your car in overdrive the engine speed goes down. This results in better gas mileage and less engine wear.