Across North America, drivers are increasingly embroiled in heated conversations about gas prices. There’s simply no getting around the fact that gas prices are increasing, seemingly on a day-by-day basis. But it’s important to note that the average driver still retains the control in this frustrating equation. There are ways to improve the gas mileage of a used vehicle and limit the amount spent at the pump each week. In this blog, we’ll review the important factors.
Begin by Creating a Fuel Mileage Log
Drivers can begin improving the fuel efficiency of their use vehicle by building from a foundation of facts regarding the current mileage. This involves starting a fuel mileage log and recording the number on the odometer immediately after a fill up. Next time, when filling up, drivers should make note of the number of kilometers driven and the number of liters required to completely fill their tank. By going through this process several times, drivers will be able to see the impact of any changes they make to improve their overall mileage.
Introduce Driving Style Changes
Most vehicle owners will find that their fuel efficiency levels decrease when they drive over 80km per hour. Therefore drivers should stay at the speed limit, particularly on the highway to prevent shortfalls in performance. It’s also important for drivers to gain an understanding as to where stop signs and traffic lights are on their regular routes. This will help prevent the sudden braking and accelerating that can ruin even the most stringent of gas mileage efficiency plans.
Remove Excess Weight from Trunk and Interior
Vehicle owners should consider the amount of equipment they keep inside their vehicle when reviewing mileage. Often, that large stepladder kept in the trunk or those steel shovels that are kept in the vehicle, despite it being the height of summer, add extra weight that can pull down efficiency levels significantly. Removing roof racks can often make a large difference to the amount of fuel used over a period of time as well.
Limit Long Drive-Thru Stops and Idling
Drivers are often amazed at the difference to their fuel efficiency when they stop all forms of vehicle idling, including stopping at drive-thru windows. Simply by going into a restaurant to pick up that favourite snack or stopping and putting a vehicle in park for a few short moments, drivers can add a significant percentage to their efficiency levels. It’s a simple process that can transform value for money in all vehicles.
By analyzing their mileage log over time and adopting some of the strategies highlighted in this article, vehicle owners will find that slowly, their vehicle consumes less gas per kilometer driven. While all vehicles lose efficiency over time, drivers can slow-down performance loss by taking measuring into their own hands and analyzing their habits. To learn more on high fuel efficiency driving habits, please contact our team directly.
