As summer quickly approaches, many of you likely have vacations planned and are ready to hit the road. Unfortunately, the current gas prices may cause some undesired stress. White’s Canyon Ford wants to help save your wallet and maximize your fuel mileage. Here are a few tips to consider:
Driving Habits
Aggressive driving can easily waste fuel. According to an article published on www.fueleconomy.gov, rapid acceleration and hard braking “can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.” Watching your speed can also help, as fuel economy typically declines after 50 mph. In optimal driving weather, consider using cruise control. The less your speed fluctuates, the better. Remove any unneeded cargo, especially in smaller vehicles, as extra weight may hurt your MPG. Additionally, rooftop luggage can increase aerodynamic drag, further reducing your fuel mileage.
Avoid idling when possible, which can potentially use a quarter to half-gallon of fuel per hour. Try to park in the shade whenever you can to prevent extra use of your air conditioning system, which can also eat up gas. Finally, plan accordingly. Make the most of your trips by combining errands to avoid driving more than you need to.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is recommended for ideal vehicle performance. Keep an eye on your fuel economy because significant changes in mileage may suggest your vehicle needs to be serviced. Our prime suggestion is a fuel system service, which will help restore power and fuel efficiency. This service cleans your fuel injectors, throttle body, and intake plenum, removing carbon buildup on valves, ports, piston crowns, combustion chambers, and any deposits obstructing the catalytic converter. We recommend performing a fuel system service every 30,000 miles, in conjunction with replacing spark plugs around every 60,000 miles.
Additionally, regularly check your tires for proper inflation. Insufficient pressure can cause premature wear, ultimately leading to poorer gas mileage or a potential blowout.
Fuel Choice Matters
Opting for the cheapest gas at the pump doesn’t always mean you’ll be saving money in the long run. Pay attention to what grade is recommended for your vehicle, as this will help your engine run as efficiently as possible. Though typically more expensive, premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which helps prevent excess fuel from burning and maximizes power in certain engines.
White’s Canyon Ford is Ready to Help
Our friendly and experienced staff at White’s Canyon Ford is here to help and answer all of your questions. Do you think your vehicle might be in need of a tune-up? Get in touch with our service department! They will make sure your vehicle is road trip-ready. Are you looking to trade in your gas guzzler for a more efficient vehicle? Give our team of sales professionals a call! There is a wide variety of new and pre-owned vehicles in our inventory for any price range.
We wish you safe travels this summer and look forward to serving you!
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