With our weather changing to delightful temps, one can’t help but to hop in the car and take a trip to enjoy this time of the year. But, Gas prices seem to be on a steady increase, so it’s no surprise that people are always looking for ways to increase their gas mileage fuel economy.

Filling up your tank can be one of the most expensive parts of car ownership, so you’ll want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stretch your money and your gas as far as it will go. Some simple facts that we should all know is that using the air conditioning and heating systems can significantly affect gas mileage during the summer and winter months. Other factors, such as aerodynamics, the weight of the car, and the type of terrain can decrease your gas mileage in ways you might not have expected.

As we emerge from the pandemic and gas prices rise, it’s necessary to reconsider your gas purchases. A household with two automobiles might easily save the cost of a car payment each year with some basic planning. Businesses with a fleet of vehicles can save even more. Here are some empowering advice on how to be your own first line of defense to save time and money by noticing the small things that can effect your gas mileage.

Put Your Ride on a Strict Diet

Stop utilizing your vehicle as a storage space. Get rid of any excess weight in the trunk, as well as any goods you’ve wanted to give away. Fuel economy can be reduced by up to 2% for every 200 pounds of excess weight. Because all that excess weight makes your vehicle less aerodynamic, it causes a mileage drag; become a personal trainer and lose some weight, will you?

Be Sensible While Driving

Let’s put our emotions aside before we get in the car, and be sure to pay attention to avoid forceful stops and jackrabbit starts, both of which reduce fuel economy. Look up, not down, and concentrate on the road and stop signs. On highways and in speed lanes, make sure to utilize your cruise control to reduce accelerations and decelerations.

Get Organized

Plan shopping trips, school pickups, and other outings so that you can do numerous tasks in one trip. To avoid retracing, plan your route ahead of time. Commute during non-peak hours if possible and if your company allows it.

Schedule routine checkups

A well-kept vehicle is a more efficient vehicle. Follow your car’s manufacturer’s recommendations for changing oil, replacing filters, and topping off fluids. Engine deposits that affect efficiency can be avoided by using the proper fuel grade. Visit your trusted repair facility and get on a preventive service plan to keep your vehicle in tip top shape.

Consider alternatives

A hybrid or electric vehicle may cost more than a standard automobile, but it can help reduce or eliminate trips to the gas station. Going green can help you save money in the long run. Make sure you know what to expect, such as nearby charging stations or the cost of installing a charger port in your home, and, most importantly, the distance you can drive before needing to recharge.

Fill up at the right time

When it’s hot outside, an open gas tank allows gasoline fumes to escape more quickly. To pollute less and save fuel, refuel at the cooler bookends of the day, early morning or late evening.

Keep tires properly inflated

Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on your vehicle’s driver’s door or in the owner’s handbook. Tires that are properly inflated are safer and last longer. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, proper inflation can improve gas efficiency by as much as 3.3 percent.

Making several short trips

You’re wasting gas if you go to the grocery store, come home, unload your car, and then drive back to school to pick up your children. The engine requires a substantial amount of gasoline to start. To save money on gas, try to do all of your errands in one trip.

Rolling the windows down

Although it may not appear to have an impact on your car’s fuel economy, leaving the windows pulled down can diminish efficiency. This is especially true when the car is driving at a high rate. Wind noise and drag can add resistance, and driving at high speeds consumes more energy. The ideal speed for maximum fuel economy is between 40 and 55 mph. Once you hit or travel faster than 60 miles per hour, your fuel economy begins to decline. Slow down and, if you have one, open the sunroof.

Idling your car wastes gas

Many people like to turn up the air conditioning or heat for a few minutes before starting their morning commute during the hot summer months or the cold winter months. Idling your car wastes gas in practically any situation, but operating the heater at the same time causes your gas gauge to drop at a faster rate. The car burns the same amount of fuel as if it were driven 1 mile for every 2 minutes of idle time. Consider how long you’ve been waiting in line at a coffee shop or a fast food restaurant.. Oh my, now that’s something to think about!

TO SAY I DIDNT KNOW IS INSIGNIFICANT, TO OWN A CAR WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT IS INEXCUSABLE