The winter holidays are coming up, and while they’re always a reason to celebrate, it’s also true that the average person spends a lot more during this time of year. If you’re looking for ways to put a little extra cash back in your pocket for the holidays, one of the easiest things you can do is improve your fuel efficiency.
Contrary to what you might think, your car almost never gets the exact fuel efficiency listed in its owner’s manual. The real number is usually lower — or sometimes higher — than this overall average. Driving conditions such as speed limits, road quality, and weather all affect gas mileage, and while these aren’t factors you can control, there are a few things that you can do to improve fuel economy. Here are five simple ways to save a few cents per gallon this year!
Fill Up Your Tires
Low tire pressure can significantly affect how many miles per gallon your car gets. The harder your tires have to work, the more it reduces fuel economy for your vehicle. Look in your owner’s manual for the listed ideal PSI of your tires, then take a quick trip to your local gas station or car wash to fill up your tires. To maintain optimal pressure, keep a tire gauge in your glove compartment and check your tire pressure weekly.
Change Your Car’s Engine Air Filters
Your automobile has two main filters that should be changed regularly: the cabin air filter and the engine filter. The cabin air filter should be changed for the sake of hygiene and air quality, while the engine air filter should be changed for the sake of performance. If it’s been over one year or you’ve put more than 15,000 miles on your car since your last engine filter change, it’s time to schedule one with your dealership.
Avoid Adding Extra Weight
It can be tempting to load up everything you can fit into your car during road trips, especially if you have kids who want to bring all their favorite toys, books, and games. But before you throw in that extra bag, think twice about your fuel economy. The more weight your car carries, the quicker it will go through a gallon of fuel. While it’s okay to load up the car to its maximum capacity sometimes, it can save you some extra money if you practice traveling light.
Stop Slamming on the Brakes
Suddenly going from 50 mph to five miles per hour doesn’t just affect your car’s brake pads — it also impacts your fuel economy. Be gentle with your brakes and avoid sharp decreases in acceleration. Rapid acceleration can also negatively affect your gas mileage, so it’s best to drive cautiously no matter what. Features such as cruise control can help you maintain a consistent and steady speed. (Want the best in cruise control? Check out the 2022 Impreza Sedan!)
Don’t Miss Your Maintenance Appointments
The number one reason for your poor fuel economy might be something you can’t even see, such as bad spark plugs or a leaking fuel line. If auto repair is done promptly, you’ll be okay — but if you put off service, you might be burning money and not even know about it. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular vehicle maintenance! A little bit of car care now can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas (and repair costs) later down the line, so never skip maintenance appointments and always follow the schedule your dealer recommends.
Visit Piazza Subaru Today!
Whether your Subaru needs service or you’re just interested in checking out the latest and greatest models on the market, come by Piazza Subaru anytime to speak with our auto dealers and technicians! Our experienced, friendly team makes car finance in Limerick a breeze, so you don’t have to worry about paying an arm and a leg for your new ride. Good luck with your journey to improved gas mileage, and we hope to see you soon!
