How to maximize your fuel economy

Proper maintenance: Getting the most miles per gallon out of your car requires first off keeping it well-maintained and tuned up.

Properly inflated tires: Check your tire pressure at least twice every oil change interval. This will not only increase your MPGs, but it will also give you a smoother ride.

Proper alignment: Keeping your car going in a straight line will make it more fuel efficient and prevent uneven tire wear. If you notice uneven tire wear, the car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel is crooked, you should consider getting an alignment.

Remove unnecessary weight: The heavier the car, the more gas it will consume. Clean out the junk in your trunk and you’ll save money at the gas pump.

Stop “warming up” your car: Idling your car to warm it up wastes gas and is unnecessary. The common misconception that cars need to warm up before driving used to be true back when engines had carburetors, but modern fuel-injected engines don’t receive any benefit from it. Today’s cars have sensors that regulate the air-fuel mixture. Idling is counterproductive because cold engines require more gas in the mixture than warm engines. Starting your car, give it a few seconds to build oil pressure, and then driving will save gas because it allows your car to warm up quickly and the sensors will reduce gas in the air-fuel mixture ratio.

Cruise control: Maintaining a constant speed will help reduce fuel consumption. Except for steep hills, using cruise control is the best and easiest way to maintain a constant speed. It can also prevent speeding and save you from getting a ticket
Reduce AC use: Running the air conditioning hurts fuel economy by an average of 3 MPGs. On days where it isn’t blistering hot, save gas by cycling your AC on and off during the drive. The air will still blow cold for short periods of time after you click the AC off. If you can get by without it, keep the AC button turned off to save gas.

For more tips and tricks to keep your car in tip-top shape follow our monthly blog posts at www.MarkedDownMotors.com