Learning About Auto Services

If your vehicle isn't as fuel efficient as you wish it would be, there are actual steps you can take, outside of purchasing a new vehicle, that will improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle that you already have.

#1 Do Not Idle for Long Periods of Time

It may seem easier to leave your vehicle running while you run into the house for a few more items, or while you wait in your vehicle for your spouse to run into the store to buy something quickly. However, idling for more than a few minutes burns gas. If you know you are going to be sitting in your vehicle idling, just turn it off. It will not hurt your engine to turn it off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. If you are stuck in traffic that is not moving either, it's a good idea to turn off your engine until things start flowing again to save on gas.

#2 Slow Down on the Road

When you drive fast, you burn more fuel. If you want to save gas, then slow down when you are on the road. That doesn't mean you need to drive under the speed limit. It just means you need to follow the speed limit when you are driving, and not always try to push it by going over the speed limit. Driving slowly is great for your fuel efficiency.

#3 Drive Smooth

Next, when you drive, try to be smooth. Don't slam on your brakes every time you have to come to a stop. Try to slow down gradually instead. Don't push your gas pedal to the floor every time you need to speed up. Taking things gradually is good for your vehicle. Avoid hard stops and starts; these take up a lot of gas.

#4 Take Care of Your Vehicle

Finally, make sure you take care of your vehicle. Take your vehicle in to get an oil change on time. Check all the other fluids under the hood every month or so.

Copy the factory maintenance schedule from the owner's manual of your vehicle and stick to the maintenance schedule. You don't need to go overboard fixing things all the time; following the manufacturer's instructions is generally the best way to take good care of your car.

The key to getting good gas mileage with your car is to stay on top of regular maintenance, drive smoothly, follow the speed limit, and turn off your vehicle when you need to idle. To learn more, reach out to companies like Jim Stephen's Foreign Car Repair.