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Need to Get Better Gas Mileage? Here Are 6 Suggestions

March 11, 2022 · 3 min read

Car Getting Gas at Gas Pump Temple Hills MD

We're always looking to save money, and one of the ways we do it is by getting better gas mileage, so we don't have to pull up to the fuel pump more often than necessary. Even though a great way to get better fuel efficiency is to buy a Kia Hybrid, there are other ways to improve your gas mileage.

Stay at the Speed Limit

Research has shown that when you drive at higher speeds on the highway, you use more fuel. As such, it is recommended that you keep your speed at the posted limit, or a little under, to get the best gas mileage possible. For example, a speed of 75 mph uses seven more gallons of gas than a speed of 65 mph. Essentially, if you drive a compact car, when you speed, you're getting the gas mileage of a large SUV.

Don't Carry Anything on the Roof or Behind the Car

When you're driving on the highway, your car is already using 50% of its power to overcome aerodynamic drag. If you add cargo onto the roof or behind your vehicle, you're increasing the amount of drag your car has to handle. This means it'll use more fuel to compensate for the drag. Some cars lose up to 12 mpg when they have cargo on their roof or bikes stowed on their bumper. Even removing an empty roof rack can help. Of course, you want that cargo holder or those bikes when you actually have something to carry; but it doesn't do you any favors to carry that stuff around when there's no reason for it.

Refrain From Warming Up Your Car

In the days of carburetors, it was necessary to warm up your car before you drove it to keep it running. However, in new fuel-injected cars, there is no need to waste fuel by warming up your car unless the temperatures are far below freezing. It's rare for that to happen. Vehicles operate best when they're at their normal operating temperature, and the fastest way to get it there is to drive it immediately after starting it: though you'll want to go slowly for the first few minutes until the "warm-up" light goes off on your dash.

Inflate Your Tires Properly

Keeping your car's tires properly inflated according to manufacturer specifications will help improve your gas mileage, even though it only has a minimal effect. In research studies, a midsize car only lost 1.3 miles per gallon when its tires were underinflated. Still, if you're looking to save as much money as possible at the pump, every little bit helps.

Buy a Hybrid

As mentioned, one of the ideal ways to save money on gas is to purchase a hybrid. You can get up to 45 mpg, which is 15 miles more per gallon than the average fuel consumption of a gas-engine sedan. You won't have to fill up nearly as often, which means more time for you and less money out of your wallet.

Find Certified Kia Service and Kia Hybrids in Temple Hills, MD

While there are plenty of tricks to getting the best gas mileage possible, buying a hybrid car can really make a huge difference. Come test drive a new hybrid today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

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Jun 09, 2023 in Car Dealership in Temple Hills MD

What Kia Models Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles?

In the world of fuel efficiency, Kia has sculpted its own distinct space, presenting a slew of models that blend performance, style, and, most crucially, superb fuel economy. Allow us to guide you through the top five Kia models that genuinely shine in fuel economy. And make sure to stop by your local Kia dealer in Temple Hills, MD, to learn more about your favorite models. Fuel Efficiency in Focus: Discovering Kia's Economical Models 2023 Kia Niro EV Wave The Niro EV Wave is a shining example of Kia's dedication to environmentally conscious motoring. This electric marvel flaunts a combined fuel economy of 126 mpg in the city and 101 mpg on the highway, propelling it to the top ranks of fuel-efficient vehicles. Its 1-speed automatic transmission assures a seamless and efficient journey. The Wave isn't only about efficiency, however. It also promises a comfy and fashionable ride, serving as the perfect choice for those who appreciate both economy and comfort. more 2023 Kia Rio LX Up next is the 2023 edition of the Rio LX. Powered by a Gamma-II 1.6-liter 1-4 DOHC engine with variable valve control and 120 horsepower, paired with its front-wheel drive and automatic transmission, the Rio LX clocks a fuel economy of 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Rio LX doesn't just win on fuel economy, though. Its striking clear white exterior and black interior offer a sleek and stylish look guaranteed to capture attention. 2021 Kia Forte LXS The 2021 Forte LXS is yet another model that glows in the fuel economy category. This charmer boasts a fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, making it an excellent pick for frequent road travelers. The Forte LXS ensures a comfortable and stylish journey, making it a top choice for those who cherish both economy and comfort. 2021 Kia Soul LX If you love the idea of style and efficiency, you should turn your attention to the 2021 Soul LX. A 4-cylinder, 2-liter engine and an IVT transmission drive this vehicle. Its front-wheel drive, inferno red exterior, and gray interior add to its appeal. The Soul LX clocks a fuel economy of 25-29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway - an excellent option for those who admire both aesthetics and efficiency. 2020 Kia Optima LX Closing our list is the 2020 Optima LX. This beauty is driven by a 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine, FWD drive type, and a 6-speed automatic with Sportmatic transmission. The Optima LX clocks an mpg of 24 in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, making it a solid contender for those who prize fuel-efficient vehicles with a dash of sophistication. Embracing the spirit of fuel economics goes beyond just choosing a car. Every Kia model, from the Niro to the Optima, boasts superb fuel economy, turning every drive into a journey of performance and style. Experience the blend of economy and comfort at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today. Let us be your partner in the pursuit of efficiency.

Oct 28, 2022 in Car Dealership in Temple Hills MD

How to Pass Your Driver's License Test in Maryland

Your Kia dealer has seen plenty of excited new drivers come through their doors. Are you prepping for your driver's license test? These handy tips will help you go into the big day with confidence. Kia Dealer Tip 1: Practice Makes Perfect The test will include a written portion and an actual driving test. When trying out your driving skills, begin in an unoccupied area like an empty parking lot. This space will enable you to make mistakes without fear of causing an accident. You should practice with someone who can give constructive and honest feedback. A good companion driver might also grade you on relevant skills. more As the test day approaches, begin familiarizing yourself with the roads around the testing center and drive any potential routes that your tester may ask you to take. In addition, make sure that you take the test in a reliable automobile with which you are comfortable. Knowing your vehicle will help you master the pre-drive checklist that takes place beforehand. Tip 2: Obey Rules of the Road The driving test is the time when you put all the information you memorized into practice. Staying alert to road signs and to the drivers around you is incredibly important, so make sure you get a good night's sleep and arrive a little early on test day. Maintain your speed strictly within the limit and keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. To lessen the chances of an accident with another driver, try to stay in the right lane unless you must make a turn or are instructed to change lanes. Further, if at all possible, schedule your test in a less urban area in order to avoid the headache of busy traffic. Tip 3: Don't Forget Parking Most driving tests will include some form of out-of-the-norm parking, whether it be backing into a space or the often-dreaded parallel parking. Set aside time to focus exclusively on learning different parking techniques. Take some traffic cones to an empty lot and you'll have a good, no-risk way to grasp the basics. Keep in mind simple rules like looking before reversing as well as braking gently, and you'll be well on your way to conquering any parking challenge. And get a leg-up on parking with the Kia Sorento. In addition to being named Most Dependable Midsize SUV, this safety-minded auto boasts parking collision avoidance and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor system that helps make parking a cinch. Tip 4: Study Up for Your Written Driver's License Test Before you can even test your skills on the road, you'll need to ace the written test. Fortunately, accessing information's never been easier. State driver manuals provide all the local road rules you'll need, and readily available practice tests can help you determine what areas need more of your attention. Maryland's Rookie Driver Program is also an invaluable asset. From the Maryland MVA, you can access online tutorials, guides, and other resources designed for your benefit. The state's graduated licensing program also builds completion of a driver education course into its licensure requirements. Celebrate with a New Kia in Temple Hills, MD Once you've aced your test, celebrate with a brand-new beautiful ride. Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and check out our inventory today. You can find the latest Kia cars for sale in Maryland right here at our Kia dealership.

Jul 08, 2025 in Buying a Car in Temple Hills MD

Looking for an Efficient New Car? Explore These Kia Models

The list of efficient Kia models includes nearly every vehicle the company has made over the last few years. Here are a few examples that show how the automaker has pushed fuel economy across its lineup. Niro Hybrid The urban-friendly Kia Niro is the one of the most fuel-efficient SUV Kia offers. The EPA estimates put the LX, EX, and SX trim at 53 mpg combined when driven conservatively. The rest still impress, with up to 53 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. more Niro Plug-In Hybrid When it comes to plug-ins, it's all about that all-electric range. The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid delivers 33 miles of just that. Switch to engine-only mode, and you can expect about 48 mpg combined. According to Kia, charging takes about 3 hours using a compatible Level 2 charger. Sportage Hybrid Stylish, practical, and efficient, the Sportage Hybrid is out to win you from every angle. It gets approximately 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. For reference, non-hybrid Sportage models come in at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. On top of being more fuel-efficient, the hybrid packs more power under the hood. Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Following the Niro's lead, the Sportage steps into plug-in hybrid territory with a dose of electric-only range before the engine joins the party. Here, that figure lands at 34 miles. The EPA rates it at 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the open road once the 1.4-liter inline-four engine takes over. Sorento Hybrid For those after an efficient three-row SUV that can accommodate seven passengers without feeling cramped, the Sorento Hybrid makes a strong case. The EPA reports that front-wheel drive variants of this model achieve 36 mpg combined, the highest in the Sorento lineup. In contrast, all-wheel versions deliver 34 mpg combined. Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Continuing the plug-in trend, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid adds an electric range to the mix. It has a combined rating of 79 MPGe, with city and highway figures at 35 and 33 mpg, respectively. This PHEV can also travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone, letting you avoid gas on local trips if you recharge regularly. K4 Kia's handle on efficiency carries over to their K4 sedan. The base model, equipped with the standard 147-horsepower inline-four engine, pulls off 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. Want more power? The GT-Line Turbo brings the fun, though mileage drops slightly to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Considering one of these models? Stop by DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills in Temple Hills, MD, and cement your decision with a test drive.