Max Your Gas Fuel Efficiency & Gas Saving Tips

Max Your Gas, Watch Your Wallet

Gas prices are already high, and seem to be constantly going up. While we can’t control the price of gas, Tires Plus can help you keep your gas budget under control. Max Your Gas is our way of helping you deal with rising gas prices and improving fuel efficiency. It starts with a free evaluation, including:

• Free tire inflation
• Free tread inspection
• Free air filter inspection
• Free alignment check
• And more

Why is this important? Because keeping your tires properly inflated — as well as driving a properly maintained vehicle — can help you save on gas. With tires, maintenance and repairs all in one place, Tires Plus is here to help you deal with gas prices. And here’s some more help:

Following these simple fuel saving tips, will help ensure you’re getting the max out of each gallon of gas you use.

1. Gas savings starts with properly inflated tires.

   Tires that aren’t inflated properly. Driving with the parking brake on. Both of these (and most of us have done one or the other — or both!) can waste a mile or two of fuel efficiency per gallon of gas. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, can lead to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual for the proper air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.(Source: American Automobile Association)

   Find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure

2. Use the right gas.

   You can find the correct octane level for a vehicle’s engine in your owner’s manual. Less than 5 percent of the cars on the road require the use of premium fuel, yet more than 20 percent of all the fuel sold in the United States is premium. So double–check before you spend extra!(Source: American Automobile Association)

3. Drive slower, save more.

   Gradually accelerating and gently applying the brakes saves more gas than "gunning it" or slamming on the brakes. Also, slowing down on the highway and using cruise control can help you get more out of each gallon of gas. Driving at 55 MPH rather than 65 MPH can improve gas mileage by about 15 percent.

   Don’t forget to check the gas cap. Damaged, loose or missing gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.(Source: Car Care Council)

4. Use the correct motor oil grade.

   Following the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1% – 2%. For example, using 10W–30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W–30 can lower your gas mileage by 1% – 2% percent. Using 5W–30 in an engine designed for 5W–20 can lower your gas mileage by 1% – 1.5%.(Source:www.FuelEconomy.org)

5. When you’re not moving, don’t "idle."

   If you’re going to be stopped in your vehicle for a while, turn your engine off. Skip the drive–thru and go inside — it might even be a shorter wait. And if possible, limit the warm–up time for your vehicle in colder temperatures.

6. Take the junk out of your trunk.

   As extra weight is added, gas mileage decreases. Do you really need all that stuff in your trunk? Take out the non–essentials to improve fuel efficiency and gas savings.

   You can even make your vehicle more aerodynamic by removing ski or bike racks and rooftop cargo carriers when you’re not using them. Items placed on the roof racks create drag. Consider putting the items inside the car or trunk instead. Also keep your vehicle washed and waxed — and roll up the windows on the highway. These steps can make your vehicle more aerodynamic, and therefore improve fuel efficiency.

7. Only use A/C when necessary.

   Roll down the windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable. If it’s a super–hot day or you live in a warmer climate, don’t sweat it. Turn the A/C on, but try to keep it at a reasonable level. The less often you turn on the A/C, the more you’ll save.

   Vent your windows and park in the shade when it’s warm out; this will help to keep your car cool when you get back in. Enjoy the breeze when driving at lower speeds. (Bring a hat if your hair could get messy!) Then roll those windows back up and use your A/C at a reasonable level once you hit the highway.
   (Source: Consumer Federation of America)

8. Shift into overdrive.

   5–speed manual transmissions and 4–speed automatic transmissions are equipped with overdrive gearing — so be sure to use the overdrive gear as soon as you’re at the appropriate speed. Lower your shift speed on a manual transmission for better fuel economy. Consult your owner’s manual for more information
   (Source: Consumer Federation of America)

9. Remember tune–ups and maintenance check–ups.

   Regular tune–ups are one of the best ways to gain fuel economy. Tune–ups will help maximize gas mileage and help you get the best possible performance from your vehicle. Following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule will help, as well as avoiding fuel economy problems caused by worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission going into high gear. Your maintenance schedule can be found in your owner’s manual, or you can look up your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance right now