Gas prices are going back up! Need a few tips to improve your miles per gallon?? Following a few simple tips can help you get more miles to the gallon and benefit your vehicle’s performance.

 Tighten your gas cap: A damaged, missing or loose gas cap allows gas to evaporate, floating gas fumes and money “into the air”. As much as 147 million gallons of gas evaporate each year due to faulty or loose gas caps. Replace your gas cap, if needed. Always turn your gas cap until you hear it click three times when replacing the cap….reduce air pollution in the process.

Correct Tire Pressure: Keep your

tires inflated with the correct pressure – check your driver’s door panel for your recommended pressure. This will improve gas mileage and encourage more even wear on your tires, making your tires last longer. Check your tire pressure often (especially during the winter).  Feel free to stop in to either of our shop locations for a complimentary check.  It all adds up – this can save you 1-2 mpg.

Change your air filter every 15,000 miles (depending on road conditions): Your engine requires adequate air flow to operate properly, so a clogged and dirty air filter will make your engine work extra hard to keep running. Driving consistently on dirt roads will require more frequent air filter changes- another 2 mpg saving.

Driving Habits: You can save gas by driving smoothly, avoiding “jack rabbit” starts and quick braking. Also, avoid idling for more than 30 seconds. Decreasing your speed on the highway from 75 mph to 55 mph can save 1 ½ to 2 gallons of gas in 200 miles, according to Consumer Reports. That is a $5-7 saving right there!

Buy your gas on Saturday. In Colorado, a “Gas Buddy” study finds that the best day to find cheaper gas prices is on Saturday, or late weekend. Keep a log on mileage and prices and track what you are paying. A couple of good apps can also help you log your gas consumption: Fuelly and Accufuel.

Proper and Consistent Maintenance: Over time, dirt, sediment, petroleum sludge and carbon deposits build up in your car’s engine, which will negatively affect your car’s performance and decreases gas mileage. Changing your spark plugs per your manufacturer’s recommended schedule, and having frequent oil changes (every 5000 miles) are two things that help your engine run more efficiently, therefore saving gas. A professional Fuel Induction System Clean can also improve your vehicle’s gas mileage 2-4 miles per gallon, will reduce environmentally damaging exhaust emissions, and can give you better overall performance from your vehicle.

Adding all these tidbits together means money that stays in your pocket, as well as improving your vehicle’s operation and maintaining the value of your car… all while being environmentally friendly.

Happy Driving!