How Can I Get Better Gas Mileage?

How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Greenville, SC

Here at Steve White Volkswagen, we want our customers to get the most out of their model. That’s why we’ve decided to share some tips and tricks on how you can achieve better gas mileage. No matter if you tend to have long or short commutes, there are some steps you can take to make a positive difference in your ride’s efficiency. Ready to reduce fuel consumption? Read on to learn how.

Schedule your travel time efficiently.

Getting stuck in traffic is never fun — plus, it can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Whenever possible, try to travel during the less busy times of the day. We know that this can’t always be the case, but avoiding rush hour can significantly help you save on gas. Or, if you know you’re going to run a lot of errands during the weekend, try to arrange your schedule so that you make as few trips as possible.

Reduce weight.

Storing items in your car might seem like a good idea, but the extra weight can bog down your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Try your best to remove any unnecessary items from your car if you don’t need them — even 100 pounds can make the biggest difference.

Avoid speeding.

While you may feel like you’re getting to your destination quicker, speeding over 50 mph uses more gas than if you were driving the speed limit. Not only is speeding unsafe, but it’s not as efficient as it may seem. In fact, speeding can lower your gas mileage as much as 15 percent to 30 percent at highway speeds and 10 percent to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic according to fueleconomy.gov. So maintain the speed limit and you’ll be doing your car a favor in the long run.

Pump gas when the temperature is coolest.

This is a less commonly known fact, but another way you can increase your car’s fuel efficiency is by filling up your tank during the coolest time of the day. This is because fuel is denser the colder it becomes, so you’ll most likely pump more fuel when it’s cold compared to when it’s hot. So try to fill up in the early mornings before work or later in the evening.

Don't let your vehicle idle for too long.

Idling, believe it or not, consumes a significant amount of fuel. We highly recommend avoiding this by turning your vehicle off when it’s not in use and restarting it when you need it.

Keep up with maintenance.

You’ve probably heard this many times before, but it’s imperative that you keep up with routine maintenance! Doing things such as re-inflating your tires, replacing spark plugs and getting tire alignments can greatly improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Our expert technicians can help you maintain your car year round, so don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment whenever you need it and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.