How to Get Better Gas Mileage 

Improving your fuel economy will not only save you money at the pump, but it also benefits the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the atmosphere. There are several reasons why you may not be getting the fuel efficiency that you want in your vehicle, but thankfully most of those reasons are an easy fix. 

There are a few simple changes you can make to maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy. Continue reading to learn how to improve your car’s gas mileage. 

What is Gas Mileage?

Gas mileage is described as the number of miles a vehicle can go on one gallon of gasoline. For example if your car advertises that it gets 40 miles per gallon (MPG), and it’s fuel tank only has one gallon of gas in it, you’ll drive 40 miles before the tank reaches empty. 

It’s important to try to get the best gas mileage out of your car, as it can fluctuate depending on your engine efficiency. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of five ways to improve your car’s gas mileage.

Related: 5 Kia Models with the Best Gas Mileage 

1. Remove Excess Clutter 

We understand, there are some things that you just need in your car. Like your everyday backpack or purse, or your child’s necessities that you never leave home without. While these items are necessary to carry with you, the old gym bag and equipment in your trunk that you forgot about from sports-seasons past may come back to haunt your fuel economy.

Leaving unnecessary items in your car adds weight, and therefore decreases your fuel economy. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by one percent. So, clear out the forgotten backpacks, garbage, and miscellaneous items inside your vehicle and see your MPG increase. 

It’s also important to add that unnecessary exterior weight can have the same effect on your fuel economy as well. Don’t forget to remove your car’s exterior accessories if you are not utilizing them. Exterior car accessories to consider removing are: 

• Cargo boxes
• Bike racks
• Roof racks

2. Make Sure Your Tires are Properly Inflated 

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a great way to improve your car’s gas mileage. Driving on underinflated tires is unsafe and will decrease your car’s fuel efficiency drastically. The U.S. Department of Energy noted that keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage up to three percent. Additionally, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every one PSI drop. 

3. Drive the Speed Limit and Refrain from Harsh Braking

The speed limit isn’t just posted to keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road — it also aids in increasing your fuel economy. Aggressive driving wastes your fuel and lowers your gas mileage by 15% to 30%. It’s important to drive the posted speed limit because fuel economy peaks at 50 MPH on most cars, then drops once speeds increase. When you drive too fast, you create high air resistance, and therefore reduce your fuel economy. A great way to combat this is to use cruise control. Using cruise control will ensure your car doesn’t travel over the speed limit and waste gas. 

Harsh braking can also decrease your car’s gas mileage. Continuously slamming on breaks  causes less fuel efficiency, as it causes your car to work harder to accelerate. Additionally, slamming on your brakes creates pressure and heat that may crack your brake hose, resulting in fluid leaks. 

4. Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling can be described as leaving your car’s engine running while your vehicle isn’t in motion. Unfortunately, sometimes you’re forced to idle, like when you’re stuck in traffic, but other than that, idling is a bad habit that drivers should break. Just ten seconds of idling can burn more fuel than turning off and restarting your engine. These wasted dollars flowing out of your car’s tailpipe will cost you quite a lot of money overtime. 

In addition to burning copious amounts of fuel, idling has negative effects on the environment, too. Idling your car for a little as ten minutes will release one pound of harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

5. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with your car’s regular maintenance is an easy way to improve your car’s gas mileage. When you regularly bring your car in for service, your mechanic will be able to address and fix any problems with your vehicle’s spark plugs, oil levels, filters, and fuel system. Having your car’s system run smoothly will ultimately aid in increasing your fuel economy and save you money at the pump!

Performing Regular Car Maintenance at Burlington Kia

We hope that this blog served as a helpful resource when researching how to improve your car’s gas mileage. In order to save at the pump, you’ll need to spend a little money on proper car maintenance. Here at Burlington Kia, we can help you create a regular maintenance schedule so you never have to wonder whether you’re getting the best fuel efficiency. Contact us using the button below to schedule an appointment.