Spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner, which means hitting the road for your next adventure, getaway, or family road trip. Now’s the time to think about your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Out team at Mike Reichenbach Ford can help.
The Ford lineup is full of efficient vehicles that meet the needs of any type of driver. We know your fuel efficiency matters on a daily basis, and there are several fuel-efficient Ford models to choose from.
Test out Ford’s efficient hybrids like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford’s lineup of electric vehicles, like the Mustang Mach-E or the F-150 Lightning, are emission-free and can help you maximize your efficiency on the road.
While Ford has many new, eco-friendly models available, there are several ways you can maximize fuel efficiency, improve miles per gallon, and save money at the gas station with your current vehicle.
With increasing gas prices, it’s important to know the proper maintenance needed and optimal driving habits for your fuel economy. Our team at Mike Reichenbach Ford has done the research for you, so you can get the most out of your time and money!
Read on to learn more.
How to Improve Gas Mileage
Your vehicle’s fuel consumption is a result of many different factors. These factors can include how you drive and maintain your vehicle. Follow these tips to know what to look out for and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Maintenance Tips
Properly maintaining your vehicle plays an important role in conserving fuel. The state of your tires, engine, oil, and gas tank can have an effect on your gas mileage.
Proper Tire Inflation
Making sure your tires are properly inflated can help your vehicle handle better and improve your fuel efficiency. Your fuel economy decreases with every pound per square inch (psi) lost in your tires. A psi that is too low can increase the rolling resistance of your tires on the road, which adds to the amount of energy your car has to use to move you along.
Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated can increase your gas mileage by up to 3%.
Engine Tune-Ups
A properly running engine can have a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. Regular tune-ups will help you make sure your engine is running at its best to save you time and money at the pump. You could expect to see up to a 40% increase in gas mileage just by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor.
Use Recommended Motor Oil
Your vehicle will run most efficiently when it’s using the right motor oil for the engine. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for which motor oil to use.
Motor oil keeps your engine’s lubrication system running as efficient as possible, and using the wrong grade of oil can decrease your gas mileage by as much as 2%. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to figure out the right oil for your engine.
Use the Correct Gas
Which handle you grab at the pump can make a difference on your gas mileage! In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the manufacturer will recommend a certain fuel octane to help your car run optimally. The best type of gas for your vehicle depends on which make and model you own.
If it’s recommended for your vehicle to use premium gas, don’t settle for unleaded. Premium gas can improve your fuel economy, helping you get further on one tank and decreasing emissions.
Remember, only use the gas recommended for your vehicle. Reaching for premium gas if it isn’t recommended will only mean a higher price at the gas pump.
Keep Your Gas Cap Sealed
After you pump your gas, make sure your gas cap is sealed tightly. Your gas cap acts as a barrier and keeps air out of your gas tank. A loose gas cap can lead to air in the engine, which increases your engine’s fuel consumption.
Driving Tips
In addition to properly maintaining your vehicle, there are several driving tips that can help you get better fuel economy and go further between fuel stops.
Slow Down
Believe it or not, speeding wastes a lot of gas. It takes a lot of energy to drive at speeds over 50 mph, so maintain a steady speed while driving, accelerate smoothly, and brake softly and early.
Also, aggressive driving wastes fuel, so pay attention to how you drive when you hit the road. Rapid acceleration and sudden stops can affect your fuel efficiency.
Remove Excess Weight
If you can help, always travel as light as possible. We understand that road trips require cargo, but excess weight can reduce your gas mileage by 4% with every 100 lbs.
Use A/C Sparingly
Your car’s air conditioning also uses a lot of energy from your engine, so using your A/C sparingly can help you save on gas. Even at low speeds, your fuel economy can suffer from A/C use.
However, when you’re traveling at speeds of 60 mph, you can actually help your fuel efficiency by rolling up the windows and turning on the air conditioning. This eliminates drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic. It’s important to know when it’s the best time to use your A/C!
Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a great way to maintain your speed and conserve fuel during your ride. Cruise control allows you to stay at one speed and keep you from trying to match the high speeds of other drivers. Try to find your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed and set your cruise control to it during interstate travel.
Turn Off the Engine When Idle
When your car is in park, turn off the engine to keep it from idling. An idle engine can consume a half gallon to a gallon of fuel for every hour it’s idling. In addition to wasting fuel, idling is a source of incomplete combustion and releases harmful toxins into the air.
Check Out New and Pre-Owned Fords in Florence, SC!
Whether you’re searching for a used Ford near you or shopping for a new Ford in Florence, SC, Mike Reichenbach Ford is here for you! We’ll help you upgrade your ride from our huge selection of new and pre-owned Ford models and learn tips and tricks for getting the most out of your fuel economy.
Come by and test drive popular Ford truck models like the Ford F-150, Super Duty, and F-150 Lightning. We also have popular Ford SUV models, like the Expedition and Explorer, that are perfect for your family’s next road trip. You can also place a custom order with us to get the right Ford for you. We make it easier than ever!
Browse our inventory online then come visit us for a test drive! We’re conveniently located in Florence, SC – near Sumter, SC, Conway, SC, and Lumberton, NC.
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