Get Better Gas Mileage

Do you Want to Save Money at the Gas Pump? Getting better gas mileage is something everyone who drives in the greater Peoria, Illinois area are concerned about. Even though Illinois gas prices have been decent, they can creep up quickly, which means you should get used to certain driving practices that will save you money no matter what a gallon of gas costs. Uftring Auto Group Fixed Operations Director Jon Peters was recently a guest on WHOI's Good Company and shared his tips for getting the best gas mileage possible out of your vehicle. We're happy to share them with you.

1. No Hard Starts - Quick starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40%. Tests show that jack-rabbit starting and hard braking reduces travel time by only 4%, while toxic emissions were more than five times higher. Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
2. Drive  at Posted Speed Limits - Increasing highway cruising speed from 55mph to 75mph can raise fuel consumption by as much as 20%. Improve gas mileage by 10-15% by driving slower and more consistently.
3. No Idling - In both the summer and winter, idling your vehicle wastes fuel and produces unnecessary greenhouse gases. If you are going to be stopped more than 30 seconds anywhere except in traffic, turn off your car to conserve gas. In the winter, older vehicles may need more idling time to warm up and sufficiently defog the windshield.
4. Proper Tire Inflation - Under-inflated tires can cause fuel consumption to increase as much as 6%. Check tire pressure at least once a month in your driveway after the vehicle has been idle for a few hours. If under-inflated, take to a gas station to add air. According to the Energy Information Administration, tire efficiency could save approximately 800,000 barrels of oil a day.
5. Air Conditioner Usage - Using the air conditioner on a hot summer day can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10% in city driving. At low speeds, roll down the window if possible. At high speeds, having the air on may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows.
6. Cruise Control Helps - For long highway driving trips, use your cruise control and save fuel by maintaining a steady speed.
7. Choose the Right Fuel Type- Premium, high-octane fuels aren't necessarily the best choice for your car. Higher prices don't guarantee better performance. Consult your owner's manual to see what your car requires.
8. Monitor Power Accessories and Gadgets - Shut off all power-consuming accessories and devices in your vehicles before turning off the car. These devices cause the alternator to work harder when you start up the vehicle. This adds a load to the engine and increases fuel use.
9. Tighten Your Gas Cap to a couple of clicks - Many people think that just because the gas cap is on, it's doing its job. The truth is, gas evaporates. If you don't tighten your gas cap to the second click, you will lose gas due to evaporation. According to the Car Care Council, loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate every year.
10 Plan Your Travel Route - It does not matter if your are going across town to the store or across the country for a family trip, you should pick the most efficient route. This includes avoiding heavy traffic, hills, construction and other obstacles. If you are organized, you can reduce the total number of small trips and save fuel.