 5 Ways To Conserve Gas
Driver's have been forced to cut back on their travels due to the gas prices being at an all-time high throughout the United States. With the skyrocketing gas prices, drivers are beginning to panic and attempting to find a way to preserve their limited tanks. However, there are ways to work around this, so we have formulated a list of the top five ways you can start conserving gas and help save money!
Turn Off Your Car
The habit of leaving a car idle when the engine isn't needed has become ingrained in some drivers. This surprisingly has a significant impact on gas that is consumed every year. If you're idle in your car for more than 10 seconds, it is recommended that you turn off the engine as it can burn as much as one gallon each hour. On select Chevrolet models, drivers can utilize the auto stop/start technology to turn off the engine when it is not needed, helping improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Perform Regular Maintenance
A contributing factor to poor fuel economy can come from dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and poor connections. Though the list can go on, one of the most valuable tasks you can start reviewing is your vehicle's alignment. Misaligned tires can drag instead of rolling freely. Therefore, improper alignment can diminish fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Another significant factor is ensuring your spark plug is in check. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence notes that a flawed spark plug can reduce your fuel economy by up to 30%.
Reduce Pressure On Your Pedal
Some drivers have subconscious habits, including speeding, heavy braking, and inconsistent acceleration. All those factors contribute to gas-wasting and more money spent at the pump. It is important to realize these irregular driving habits can negatively affect your fuel economy by 15% to 30%. So to battle this, it is recommended by the Department of Energy to drive at an average speed that is steady and does not suddenly brake or accelerate, which in turn, can help acquire gas savings between 31 cents and $1.24 per gallon.
Check Tire Pressure
It is easy to oversee your tire's health, but guaranteeing they are in excellent condition will prevent future accidents and help save some money on gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gas go to waste due to under-inflated tires. On average, your tire will naturally lose 2 PSI per month. So be sure to follow the guidelines within the owner's manual or door-side jamb in order to utilize the accurate PSI for each tire. Once that information is acquired, you can visit your local gas station, where free air can be provided to help get you back on the road!
Reduce Payload Weight
Lastly, reducing the payload weight within your vehicle is a method to save gas that is often neglected. A 100-pound weight gain goes under the radar but can reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency by 1%. Drivers may not think 1% is significant, but over time having an additional weight within your car will result in exponential spending at the fuel pump. Typically this logic affects smaller vehicles but can impact larger ones with heavier payloads. Therefore, it is a good idea to remember the essential items needed within your vehicle, including emergency kits, and every 100 pounds in your car can cost you three cents more per gallon of gas.
Malouf Chevrolet Is Here To Help
We understand the desire to get back on the road and enjoy exciting experiences with your Chevrolet. Nevertheless, your top priority is ensuring your car runs to the best of its abilities. Malouf Chevrolet's service center is ready to help you at a moment's notice and make sure your Chevrolet is receiving nothing but the best. Our competitive prices and friendly service enable us to handle numerous service requests and ensure you get the most out of your visit. So be sure to schedule an appointment online or visit our service center today to get started!
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