How to Get Better Gas Mileage

Nothing compares to the feeling of freedom that comes from cruising down an open road in a new Acura! The only thing keeping you from your next adventure is pulling up to a gas station and topping off your tank. Stopping for fuel isn’t fun, so the team at Gettel Acura wants to help you make the most out of every mile.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a more fuel-efficient ride, we have plenty of options to choose from in our electrified lineup. If you’re not ready to part ways with your gas-powered car, we have a few simple tips and tricks to help you get more out of each tank!

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour – Avoiding rush hour traffic can help you save on gas and improve fuel efficiency because you won’t have to sit on the highway, letting your car idle for long periods of time. Though you may not have flexibility regarding when you leave work, you can save your errands for later on workday evenings or the weekend to avoid lingering in afternoon traffic. Or, if you have a road trip coming up, look up the best time to leave to avoid peak traffic hours. We encourage you to plan out errands or group together multiple activities on the weekends to maximize fuel efficiency.
2. Remove Excess Weight – Excess weight in a vehicle creates extra drag, leading to decreased efficiency. Carrying extra weight in your car can reduce your mpg by up to one percent for every 100 pounds — and this can add up to four cents per gallon on fuel costs!1 For improved fuel efficiency and performance, remove all excess items from your vehicle, including luggage, boxes and any other heavy items.
3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control – It’s easy to speed when driving on the highway. However, your gas mileage drops quickly when you go above 50 mph.¹ To get better fuel economy, we recommend utilizing cruise control whenever possible to help you maintain a constant speed.
4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long – It’s best to turn off your vehicle when at a standstill in traffic. Not only will this help you conserve fuel, but it will also reduce harmful emissions released into the environment. If you’re stuck in traffic and can’t turn off your car, there are still ways to conserve fuel. One simple trick is to switch off the climate controls. This will ensure that your vehicle isn’t wasting extra fuel while you wait in traffic.
5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil – Unless you’re driving an all-electric vehicle, changing and refilling the motor oil in your vehicle is an unavoidable part of car ownership. We strongly advise that drivers always use the correct grade of motor oil for their cars. By following the recommended motor oil grade in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you can enjoy up to a two percent increase in fuel efficiency.² This means reduced emissions and improved engine life over time.
6. Schedule Routine Maintenance – Staying ahead of your vehicle’s maintenance requirements is important to keep it running smoothly. Caring for your car by inflating its tires properly, getting regular oil changes and scheduling other routine maintenance can help maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Do you need automotive service? Schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians today! Our team will get your vehicle back into peak performance quickly and safely.

If you need further advice about your vehicle or you’re interested in upgrading to a new fuel-efficient car or electrified vehicle, feel free to contact us or stop by our dealership at 4891 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 . We look forward to serving our customers near Bradenton, Clearwater and Tampa.

¹For more information, visit Driving More Efficiently .

²For more information, visit Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape .