Getting the Most Out of Your Fuel

Everyday while driving I’m always on the lookout. Looking over my shoulder, always on alert. With the gas prices today you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal, which is why I’ll do 2 u-turns before I pay that extra three cents per gallon. Besides looking for the best price, there are some simple tips you can follow that will also help you get the most mileage out of your tank. Some are simple maintenance tasks to keep on top of while others have to do with our driving habits.

  • Make sure your gas cap is on and not loose or damaged. 147 million gallons of gas vaporizes every year due to these conditions.
  • Get your car tuned-up regularly. Keeping a mileage record can give you a heads up on when your mileage is slipping, which is a sign that your vehicle is in need of a tune-up.
  • Check to see that your tires are properly inflated and that the wheels are aligned. This can save you up to two miles per gallon.
  • Get gas in the morning. You’ll get more for your dollar since cooler gas is more compact.
  • Do not over pack your car. More weight lowers your fuel economy.
  • Avoid tailgating, which leads to unnecessary braking.
  • Use overdrive if your vehicle has this feature since it cuts down on consumption during highway driving.
  • Make sure your air filter is clean. If your air filter is clogged it can choke off the air and cause too much gas being burned for the amount of air. Replacing it can improve gas mileage by up to 1 mile per gallon.
  • Park in the shade.
  • Use cruise control on long trips. Staying at a constant speed will save fuel.
  • Observe the speed limit. Fuel economy decreases at speeds above 55 mph.
  • Avoid letting your car idle for long periods of time. Letting your vehicle warm-up for two minutes before you drive is sufficient.
  • Roll down your windows on nice days instead of cranking on the air conditioner.
  • Avoid one-purpose driving trips. Bring a list to the grocery store so you don’t have to drive back for that one essential ingredient you forgot.
  • Get your oil changed regularly. Dirty oil can cut back on your engine’s efficiency.

I still look around for the best gas price out there but I feel a little better knowing that I have some control over my gas consumption. Regular car maintenance plays a big hand in helping to get the most out of your fuel, as well as developing better driving practices. Following the above tips will be sure to help you conserve gas and get the most out of your fuel.

Jim Orsi
Director of Operations for Jiffy Lube Stores