When you’re ready to purchase a new car in Clarksville, Tennessee, there are many factors to consider. You’ll want to make sure it performs well, has reliable safety features, and offers a comfortable, smooth ride. Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle is important too, of course. While some cars naturally have better gas mileage than others, there are ways to drive farther on a fill-up. Don’t get frustrated by spending more at the gas station when your vehicle’s fuel economy can increase with these tips.
Change the Oil and Air Filters
Experts say that it is best to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (newer cars can generally go a little longer between changes). Failure to do so will lead to poor lubrication of engine parts. The components will begin to fail, leading to significant mechanical issues. You’ll also notice a drop in your car’s fuel economy. Changing the oil and air filter regularly will help to prevent these problems.
Watch Your Speed
First and foremost, exceeding the speed limit is dangerous and against the law. Many drivers struggle with this from time to time, but consistently going too fast can also affect your car’s mpg numbers. The sweet spot for fuel economy on the freeway is around 65 mph. Once you get up to 70 or 75 mph, you could see a drop as high as 8 mpg. Sudden accelerations can also reduce the fuel efficiency of your car or truck because you are using more fuel. Also, if you do hard brakes, you’re essentially putting that fuel to waste. Stay at the speed limit, and you’ll notice better fuel economy.
Don’t Be Afraid to Turn Off the AC
This can be challenging because when the weather outside is hot and muggy, it’s uncomfortable to drive without the air conditioning on. Be aware, though, running the air conditioning will cut down on fuel economy. This drop could be as much as 4 mpg. When possible, roll down the windows instead, and enjoy the breeze.
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Inflate the Tires Properly
Aside from affecting safe braking and road handling, low tire pressure in the tires reduces the car’s fuel economy. The reduction isn’t huge, but when the tires are under-inflated, the mpg could fall by more than one. Make sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to at least 30 PSI.
The team at James Corlew Cadillac in Clarksville, Tennessee, wants you to get the most out of your vehicle. Stop by today and talk to someone in our service department about how you can improve the fuel economy. This could help you save money on fuel costs and give you some peace of mind behind the wheel.
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