As summer is approaching, more and more families are planning their family vacations and spontaneous road trips. We know the price of gasoline is hard to believe at times, which is why taking pre cautionary steps that will improve your fuel mileage is a smart idea for both your vehicle and your wallet.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY FUEL MILEAGE
For those of you that often take long road trips during the summer months, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you are getting the maximum fuel mileage your vehicle allows for. Something that will make a big difference in fuel mileage is lightening your load of everything you don’t need before you set out. Make sure to check your glove compartment and trunk for any unneeded items. Having added weight in your vehicle significantly decreases your fuel mileage. Check and make sure that your vehicle does not need any major maintenance done on it. Always check your tire pressure and for proper tire inflation. Having an underinflated tire will hurt your fuel mileage because your vehicle has to work harder. It may be surprising to some to learn that if you slow your speed down it will save you a lot of fuel as well. All vehicles have an optimum fuel consumption speed, which is where the car can travel the farthest and use the least amount of fuel. Calculating fuel consumption speed mainly has to do with your vehicle’s aerodynamics. Because going too fast and changing your speed a lot can hinder your fuel mileage, it is best to set your cruise control. Your cruise control helps to ensure that you are always going at a constant speed and are not risking going too fast. Keeping your speed steady will save you gallons of fuel and also make for a smoother more comfortable ride.
FUEL MILEAGE ON SUVS VERSUS COMPACT CARS
Driving an SUV has it perks, more room, better drivability in wintry conditions, hauling capabilities, but when it comes to fuel mileage it can be bothersome. There are some steps you can take to prevent a major loss of fuel mileage. Not only should you get rid of unnecessary items and check your tire pressure just like you would with a smaller vehicle, you should also try and drive more conservatively to see better fuel mileage. Do not take turns too quickly or accelerate too fast either. Since SUVs are bigger they require more energy to move, but that doesn’t mean you need to stomp on the gas. Being easy with your driving can really make a difference. By avoiding those gravel or sand roads you will not sacrifice as much fuel mileage either. It is always best to stay on the highway for safety reasons as well.
HYBRID CARS
If you are really looking to savor your fuel mileage, you might consider purchasing hybrid cars. Hybrid cars use an electric motor which stores energy that would otherwise be wasted during braking or when driving downhill. Depending on the type of hybrid system used, hybrid cars can achieve as much as 200 miles per gallon or more. While the cost of hybrid cars might scare some away, sometimes the money saved on gasoline in a year makes it a wise investment. Before you set out on your family vacation this summer, take the time to perform a few steps that will increase your fuel mileage and save you money. If you are really looking to step outside the box, look into hybrid cars.