Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas

By BendersAutoSalesBender's Auto Sales, Car Maintenance, Tips
Fuel Mileage Blog

 

With rising fuel costs and the environmental impact of excessive fuel consumption, getting the most out of a tank of gas has become a priority for many drivers. Small changes in your driving habits and vehicle maintenance can significantly improve fuel efficiency, helping you save money and reduce emissions. Here are some practical tips to maximize your vehicle’s gas mileage.

1. Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, consuming less fuel.

  • Keep the engine tuned: Regular tune-ups ensure your engine is running at its best. Faulty spark plugs, clogged air filters, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can decrease fuel efficiency.
  • Change the oil on schedule: Use the manufacturer-recommended oil for your vehicle. Clean oil reduces friction, which improves fuel economy.
  • Check the tires: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve mileage. Underinflated tires can lower fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

2. Drive Smoothly

Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding can waste gas.

  • Accelerate gently: Press the gas pedal smoothly to reduce fuel consumption.
  • Maintain a consistent speed: Use cruise control on highways to avoid constant acceleration and deceleration.
  • Avoid idling: Turn off your engine if you’re parked for more than a minute. Idling burns gas without moving the vehicle.

3. Plan Your Trips

Efficient trip planning can help you reduce unnecessary driving and save gas.

  • Combine errands: Instead of making multiple short trips, try to complete all your errands in one outing. Cold starts use more fuel, so combining trips when your engine is warm is more efficient.
  • Avoid rush hours: Sitting in stop-and-go traffic burns gas needlessly. If possible, schedule trips during less congested times.
  • Use navigation tools: GPS apps can help you find the shortest routes and avoid traffic, saving time and fuel.

4. Lighten the Load

The more weight your vehicle carries, the harder the engine has to work, which increases fuel consumption.

  • Remove unnecessary items: Empty your trunk of heavy or unused items.
  • Use roof racks sparingly: Roof racks and cargo boxes increase wind resistance, reducing fuel efficiency by as much as 25% on the highway. Remove them when not in use.

5. Monitor Your Speed

Driving at higher speeds increases fuel consumption due to greater air resistance.

  • Stick to the speed limit: Most vehicles reach optimal fuel efficiency at speeds between 50-80 km/h. Driving faster than this can significantly lower mileage.
  • Avoid sudden stops and starts: Anticipate traffic flow and slow down gradually to maintain momentum, which uses less gas.

6. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Air conditioning puts an additional load on your engine, increasing fuel consumption.

  • Use A/C sparingly: In city driving, open windows instead of using air conditioning. On highways, keep windows closed and use A/C to reduce aerodynamic drag.
  • Park in the shade: A cooler car requires less air conditioning. Use sunshades to block heat if you must park in the sun.

7. Choose the Right Fuel

Using the right type of fuel for your car can improve its efficiency.

  • Follow manufacturer recommendations: Don’t use premium gas unless your vehicle requires it. Using the wrong type of gas won’t improve performance and will cost more.
  • Avoid overfilling: Stop pumping when the nozzle clicks. Overfilling can lead to fuel evaporation, wasting gas.

8. Keep Your Windows Closed

Open windows create drag, especially at higher speeds. Keeping your windows closed on highways helps your car move more efficiently.

9. Use Overdrive and Eco Modes

  • Engage overdrive gears: If your car has an overdrive gear, use it during highway driving to lower RPMs and improve fuel efficiency.
  • Switch to eco mode: Many modern vehicles have an eco-driving mode that optimizes performance for fuel savings.

10. Monitor Your Fuel Efficiency

Keep track of your car’s mileage to identify patterns and improve habits.

  • Use the trip computer: If your car has one, monitor the miles-per-gallon (MPG) display to adjust your driving style.
  • Track manually: Log your odometer readings and fuel purchases to calculate your average MPG.

Maximizing your gas mileage is about smart habits and proper vehicle care. By implementing these tips, you can stretch your tank further, save money, and reduce your environmental footprint.

If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient vehicle or need help getting your car road-trip ready, visit us at Bender’s Auto Sales.

📍 Location: 785 Main Street East, Listowel, Ontario
📞 Contact Us: 519-291-3390