How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Punta Gorda, FL

Whether you’re zooming through the sleek city streets or cruising down the highway, your ride is a force to be reckoned with. Until you have to stop for fuel, that is. Frequently stopping at the gas station can be a hassle, and those high gas prices can add up! Here at Gettel Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, we want to help drivers make the most of each mile. If you’re not in the position to switch to an all-electric or hybrid vehicle, here are six ways to get better gas mileage with your current ride.

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour

Avoiding rush hour traffic can help you save on gas and improve fuel efficiency because you won’t have to sit on the highway, letting your car idle for long periods of time. Though you may not have flexibility regarding when you leave work, you can save your errands for later on workday evenings or the weekend to avoid lingering in afternoon traffic. Or, if you have a road trip coming up, look up the best time to leave to avoid peak traffic hours. We encourage you to plan out errands or group together multiple activities on the weekends to maximize fuel efficiency.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Excess weight in a vehicle creates extra drag, leading to decreased efficiency. Carrying extra weight in your car can reduce your mpg by up to one percent for every 100 pounds — and this can add up to four cents per gallon on fuel costs!¹ For improved fuel efficiency and performance, remove all excess items from your vehicle, including luggage, boxes and any other heavy items.

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

It’s easy to speed when driving on the highway. However, your gas mileage drops quickly when you go above 50 mph.¹ To get better fuel economy, we recommend utilizing cruise control whenever possible to help you maintain a constant speed.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long

It’s best to turn off your vehicle when at a standstill in traffic. Not only will this help you conserve fuel, but it will also reduce harmful emissions released into the environment. If you’re stuck in traffic and can’t turn off your car, there are still ways to conserve fuel. One simple trick is to switch off the climate controls. This will ensure that your vehicle isn’t wasting extra fuel while you wait in traffic.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Unless you’re driving an all-electric vehicle, changing and refilling the motor oil in your vehicle is an unavoidable part of car ownership. We strongly advise that drivers always use the correct grade of motor oil for their cars. By following the recommended motor oil grade in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you can enjoy up to a two percent increase in fuel efficiency.² This means reduced emissions and improved engine life over time.

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Regular check-ups and preventative care can go a long way in ensuring your car runs efficiently and safely. Having your tires properly inflated, getting regular oil changes and scheduling other basic maintenance tasks can help maximize your car’s fuel efficiency. Furthermore, if you notice any issues with your engine’s performance — whether it be a decrease in power or strange noises coming from the engine bay — we recommend scheduling a service appointment right away.

If you need further advice about your vehicle or you’re interested in upgrading to a new fuel-efficient car or electrified vehicle, feel free to contact us or stop by our dealership at 2323 Tamiami Trl, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 . We look forward to serving our customers near Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice and Fort Myers.

¹For more information, visit Driving More Efficiently .

²For more information, visit Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape .