Members of the community often come to us for advice; and one of the most common questions we encounter here at Warrenton Auto is, how can I get better fuel mileage out of my vehicle?

Many people think that in order to get better gas mileage in a car or truck they need to buy some sort of fuel additive, or put special magnets on their fuel lines. This is false. Most product claims about improving fuel economy are all wrong. In fact, you can improve your fuel mileage just by changing the way you drive.

Here are a few tips that should help.

#1. AVOID HARD ACCELERATION AND BRAKING 

Every time you step on the gas pedal it puts more fuel into the engine. If you speed up suddenly, the vehicle uses more fuel, so it’s better to accelerate slowly whenever possible. Speeding away at a traffic light only to slam on your brakes at the next red is bad for fuel mileage.

#2. KEEP YOUR DRIVING SPEED BELOW 60 MPH

The speed range for optimal fuel economy ranges from vehicle to vehicle, but as a general rule, gas mileage decreases drastically at speeds above 50mph. If you want to get more miles per gallon, slow down! This is probably the most effective way to improve fuel mileage for the average driver.

#3. GET THE JUNK OUT OF YOUR TRUNK

We know you love keeping both sets of golf clubs, the toolbox, and the inflatable boat for the kids in the car, but all that extra stuff can really hurt your fuel milage if you drive a smaller vehicle. Additionally, hauling cargo on your roof can increase aerodynamic drag and reduce your milage even further. Less is more! Consider whether or not you need that extra set of clubs before your next drive.

#4. KEEP YOUR VEHICLE WELL MAINTAINED

Regular vehicle maintenance is important, but you don’t need to overdo it.  Changing your air filter every month or two just to improve fuel mileage is a waste of money. The best advice is to follow the factory schedule found in your owners manual. Stick to these recommendations, or check with us for additional advice on servicing. When it comes to the overall performance of your vehicle, prevention is the best policy. Most problems can be easily detected by certified auto mechanics. Often times, the longer you wait, the worse the problem becomes. Avoid costly repairs.

Drive smart. Visit your trusted partners at Warrenton Auto Service for the best practical advice in keeping your vehicle trouble-free.