Absolutely, improving fuel mileage can make a significant difference in both your wallet and the environment. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of every tank:

The following is a guideline to improve the “miles per gallon” aspect on most vehicles. Please drive safely and obey and respect ALL traffic laws, signs, speed limits and law enforcement personnel. Your safety and that of others on the roads should be your first priority.

  • Look in your owner’s manual to see what type or octane level of fuel is recommended by the manufacturer.
  • According to the Federal Trade Commission, using a higher octane fuel such as premium, that is not recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, offers no benefit. It does not make your vehicle perform better, go faster, get better fuel mileage or clean your vehicle’s carburetor or fuel injection system. Tests have shone premium fuel may provide a small improvement in fuel mileage, but not sufficient enough to offset the higher price.
  • Premium fuel does not significantly increase gas mileage for most vehicles. Unless your car requires premium fuel, you are better off sticking to regular fuel and saving money at the pump.
  • Check your owner’s manual and use the required grade of motor oil for your engine. Using the wrong motor oil can effect the performance of your vehicle as well as damaging your engine.
  • NO. Only use your cruise control when you are traveling a distance on a mostly flat road.
  • Cruise control will maintain your vehicle’s speed which makes your vehicle work harder and use more fuel going up even the smallest incline, while slowing down your vehicle when you descend. This is the opposite method for saving fuel.
  • If you must use cruise control, set it to eco-mode if it’s available on your vehicle. Eco-mode is more efficient than regular cruise control.
  • To get the maximum fuel mileage, inflate your tires to the highest PSI recommended for your vehicle or tire manufacturer. Do NOT over inflate them. Over or under recommended tire pressure (PSI) could be dangerous and increase tire wear.
  • Front end alignment is also essential to better fuel mileage.
  • Most vehicles on the road today have an overdrive gear. Some have a button to turn it on and off, while others have it built into the transmission. Again, find out what type your vehicle has by looking in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
  • Always use the overdrive setting on your vehicle for best fuel savings.
  • Brakes use fuel. You might think this sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.
  • Drive at a moderate speed and avoid rapid acceleration and braking.
  • Look ahead! It’s much better to anticipate a slow down or stop in advance and let off the accelerator before coming to a stop or slow down.
  • Don’t maintain your speed and rely on your brakes to slow down at the last minute.
  • Use them to stop but, a gradual slow down will save you fuel.
  • Roof racks and extra weight in your vehicle can increase drag which can lower your fuel mileage.
  • Remove any unnecessary items from your truck or back seat.
  • Don’t be aggressive behind the wheel.
  • Aggressive driving can significantly reduce your fuel mileage and is very dangerous to you, your passengers and others on the road.
  • Turn off the engine when you are parked or waiting for more than 10 seconds. An idling vehicle can consume up to a half gallon of fuel per hour.

Your foot plays a big role in how much fuel your vehicle consumes. Try leaving your foot on the accelerator in the same position while driving if it is safe to do so. This method allows your vehicle to slow down while climbing hills and speed up while descending. However, always obey speed limits.