The pandemic no doubt had you driving less (and spending less on gas) in 2020. Now that things are opening back up and you’re resuming some of your usual activities, you might be looking for ways to get better gas mileage. Here are 4 ideas to get you started.
Drive smooth
Jerky driving and stopping and starting a lot burns a lot of gas. The more smooth and even your pace, turns, and stops, the better gas mileage you’ll get! Try using cruise control when you can so that your speed stays consistent and anticipate when you’ll need to stop so that you can brake early.
Check your tires
If your tires haven’t been rotated in a while, you’re probably not getting good gas mileage. This is because under-inflated tires put a strain on your engine. Make sure you regularly rotate your tires and keep their pressure at the recommended level.
Combine errands
If you’re trying to stretch that tank, combine your errands as much as possible. For example, if you need to grab some groceries, run to the bank, and stop by the post office, plan the fastest route and hit all of them in the same trip. This way, you’re not running out multiple times a week, burning unnecessary gas.
Replace your air filter
Looking to get better gas mileage? Check your air filter! Your air filter needs to be changed once a year. According to familyhandyman.com, “Your engine sucks in 14 million gallons of air through the filter every year. On older vehicles (pre-1999) a dirty air filter increases fuel usage by almost 10 percent ($350 per year, or 35¢ per gallon). On newer vehicles, the computer is smart enough to detect the lower airflow, and it cuts back on fuel. So your engine will lack power and pick-up.”