How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Punta Gorda, FL

Imagine this: You’re zooming along the highway, feeling the rush of wind in your hair and experiencing raw power at your fingertips. Then, out of nowhere, you get a dreaded flashing light — you’re running low on fuel. Frequent stops at the gas station are never fun and can be expensive. The team at Gettel Chevrolet Buick GMC wants to help you make the most of each gallon. If you’re not ready or can’t trade in your current gas-powered car for an electrified vehicle, there are still ways to conserve your gas mileage. Here are six steps you can take to get better gas mileage today!

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour

It may be easier said than done, but avoiding rush hour helps drivers get better gas mileage. While there isn’t always flexibility in our work schedules, there is flexibility after work and on the weekends. For example, if you’re planning a road trip, you can research the best times to leave. Or if you’re running errands, you can go to the grocery store after work and avoid the 6 p.m. traffic jam. Researching the best time to leave, planning to complete errands on your way home from work or grouping your errands together on the weekends will help reduce your fuel consumption.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Excess weight increases drag, which makes your vehicle less efficient by burning more gas to get from point A to point B. Did you know that every 100 pounds of weight in your car can reduce your mpg by up to one percent? This can cost you up to an additional 4 cents per gallon.¹ To reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, we recommend you remove all excess items from your vehicle — including luggage, boxes and other heavy items.

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

When driving, it may be tempting to speed — try not to. Driving above the speed of 50 mph can quickly decrease your gas mileage.¹ When possible, we recommend using cruise control to stay at a constant speed.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long

It’s best to turn off your car whenever you’re not driving. This will help save fuel and reduce emissions that otherwise harm the environment. However, if you cannot turn your car off — for example, if you’re stuck in traffic — you can turn off your climate controls to avoid using too much fuel.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Unless you’re driving an all-electric vehicle, having to fill up your gas tank is inevitable. We recommend that you always use the correct grade of motor oil for your car. By using the manufacturer’s recommended motor oil grade, you can increase your fuel efficiency by one to two percent.²

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

It’s important to be proactive with your vehicle’s maintenance. Keeping your tires properly inflated, getting your oil changed, etc. can increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, if you notice any hiccups in your engine’s performance, it’s best to have the issue looked at right away. To keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, schedule an appointment with our highly-trained technicians today!

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 1901 Tamiami Trail, 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 .