Frugal Driving: How to Get More Out of the Gas in Your Car

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By Alex Perdikis

No one wants to spend more on gas for their car than they have to. But you may be doing things, or not doing things that lower your car’s fuel efficiency without realizing it. Not only does it cost more if you don’t take measures to improve fuel efficiency, it also increases greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.

The good news is you can increase the fuel-efficiency of your car by as much as 30 percent with these simple tips.

It Starts With Maintenance

Your car runs most efficiently when it’s well-maintained. Look at your owner’s manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Get the oil changed, change air filters and replace spark plugs as suggested.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption by as much as 6 percent.

If you don’t have them and are looking at purchasing new tires, consider low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. LRR tires improve mileage as much as 1 to 2 percent because they reduce rolling resistance.

 

“Keep track of your gas mileage. A sudden drop indicates trouble, possibly in the engine. Have it checked.” — Alex Perdikis

 

How Do You Drive?

How you drive significantly impacts your gas mileage as well as your pocket book. Follow these tips when you’re behind the wheel:

  • Drive steady and lawfully: Follow posted speed limits on highways. Many states are increasing speed limits up from 55 mph, but if it’s lawful, driving at 55 is much more fuel efficient than faster speeds. The faster you go, the less effective your fuel becomes.
  • Leave aggression behind: Hard braking and Jack-rabbit starts consume fuel like there’s no tomorrow. Aggressive starts and braking increase fuel consumption by up to 40  percent. Instead, accelerate slowly and move into high gear as soon as possible.
  • Avoid idling your vehicle for more than a minute: Unless you have an older vehicle, most cars don’t need to idle or “warm up.” Idling wastes fuel and produces large amounts of greenhouse gases. If you’re not in traffic, turn your car off if your stop will last longer than 30 seconds.
  • Older car? Forgo the air conditioner if you can: Older vehicle’s air conditioners don’t run efficiently and using one increases fuel consumption up to 10 percent in city driving. Opening vents and windows may provide enough cool air to get you by if you’re moving at low speeds. Higher speeds are a different story, however. Open windows on the highway means lost fuel due to wind resistance. Use the air conditioner instead. If you have a newer model, no worries. Your A/C is already energy efficient.
  • Use the right gear: Driving in a lower than necessary gear wastes fuel. Work through the gears to reach the optimum gear as soon as possible.
  • Use cruise control: Save gas by maintaining the same speed with cruise control when driving on the highway.
  • Choose parking spots wisely: If it’s a hot summer day, try to park in a shady area. Not only will your car remain cooler, the shade acts as a shield against gas evaporation.

A More Energy Efficient Life

You can also make lifestyle changes that improve fuel efficiency. For example, instead of running a lot of errands on different days, pack them into one trip.

Join a carpool to get to work and back. Plan your route if you’re going to an unfamiliar area. You’ll see the difference in your wallet and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re living a more energy efficient life.

 Alex Perdikis, Koons of Silver Spring general manager and owner, lives in Chevy Chase with his wife and daughters.