Gas prices lately are causing people to look twice when filling up their tanks at the pump. And many people are looking for relief or some way to ease the cost of refueling. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can improve your gas mileage and help your car to run more efficiently. Keep your vehicle running at peak performance with these valuable tips.
Dirty Air Filters Can Hold You Back
Most cars have two air filters: one in the engine area and one for the cabin. It’s crucial to check and replace both air filters as needed to ensure your car is running efficiently. In fact, clogged air filters can force your car to work harder to push air through, and a dirty engine air filter can affect the fuel-to-air mix. You may even notice a reduction in power and pickup while driving. Make checking your air filters a regular part of your maintenance.
Check Your Tires Often
Your car’s tires are one of the most overlooked yet important sources of fuel inefficiency. When your tires are underinflated, your vehicle must work harder, and you’ll see your gas mileage decrease. And not only will low tire pressure affect your gas mileage, but you’ll also see them wear out more quickly, meaning you’ll have to shell out to replace them.
Align for Better MPGs
It only takes a slight change in alignment to create a noticeable effect in gas mileage. You can check your alignment at home with a tread depth gauge. This gauge will tell you if one tire is wearing out more quickly than another, which is a sign that your alignment is off. If you notice this problem, you’ll want to take your car to a service technician for an alignment.
Take Your Time
Better gas mileage can be yours when you modify your driving habits. First, consider taking off more slowly from a stop or red light. Accelerating less aggressively helps your car to run more efficiently and puts less strain on the engine. In addition, keep your top speed a little lower if possible. Driving at 55 mph or less helps you to use your gas wisely. Once you go faster than 55, your drag increases dramatically, causing your car to work much harder to maintain speed.
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Get a Tune-up Regularly
For the best gas mileage your car can offer, you’ll also want to replace your spark plugs before they wear out and check your oxygen sensors. But many people are unfamiliar with servicing these things on their vehicles. Fortunately, the service technicians at James Corlew Chevrolet in Clarksville, Tennessee, are here to help. They’ll check your car and ensure it’s always running at its best, so you get consistently great gas mileage.