Need to Get Better Gas Mileage? Here Are 6 Suggestions

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.

Tags: Getting Better Gas Mileage, Improving Fuel Efficiency
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