Tips for Increasing Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency | Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union

High gas prices are a major bummer, especially during the summer months when many of us have road trips and other travel plans lined up. Though the number on your car’s miles-per-gallon sticker may seem like a hard-and-fast rule for your fuel efficiency, did you know that there are actually ways you can make each gallon go further?

Whether you are heading out on an epic road trip or simply running errands around town, here are some great ways you can save on gas.

How to Increase Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

Aim for a smooth ride. Your driving habits can have a heavy impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. Rapidly accelerating and braking at the last minute can increase gas consumption by up to 30% at highway speeds and up to 40% in slow-moving traffic.

Slow your roll. Most cars hit their peak fuel efficiency range at around 50 miles per hour and then become less efficient at speeds that are any faster. Slowing down a bit can keep your car closer to this optimal range, so it has to use less fuel to get you to where you are heading.

Take off extra gear. If you sometimes use your car as a utility vehicle, you may have roof racks, bike holders or other accessories attached to your car—but when these things are not in use, their weight can really add up. An extra hundred pounds can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by up to 1%, so taking these extras off when possible can be helpful.

Avoid idling. Idling is not only bad for your wallet, but it is bad for the environment, too. Idling wastes several billion gallons of fuel per year and gets you nowhere. If you plan to be stopped somewhere for 10 seconds or longer, turn the car off instead of letting it idle.

Plan trips wisely. If you have to make multiple stops throughout your day, plan them out effectively to minimize backtracking or doubling back. That way you are more efficient with your time and your driving.

Check your tire pressures. If your tires are underinflated, they can force the car to utilize more fuel to go the same amount of miles. Tire pressure can often fluctuate based on the temperature, so check yours about once a month to make sure it is in the ideal range.

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