How to Improve Your Gas Mileage

One of the best ways to improve your gas mileage is to make sure your tires are in great shape. Believe it or not, your tires can have a huge impact on how your car performs over time, as well as in the short-term! The main factor here is your traction. Over time, wear and tear will cause the treads on your tires to become shallow, which will have a negative impact on your traction, and in turn, your gas mileage. One way to keep your treads in good condition for as long as possible is to keep up with regular tire rotations. During a tire rotation, your mechanic will move each tire to a new position, so that each tire gets an equal amount of wear. You should also keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Similarly, this will improve your traction, and maintain your gas mileage.

One of the most essential services you can perform for your vehicle is an oil change. Oil changes should be scheduled roughly every 7,500 miles to ensure that the oil in your car stays as fresh as possible. In fact, if you do a lot of towing, off-roading, or driving in extreme temperatures, then it's a good idea to get your oil changed more frequently. When you get an oil change, your engine will be properly lubricated with a coating of fresh oil that allows your pistons to slide smoothly inside their cylinders. Not only will this prevent excess friction and heat buildup, but it will allow your engine to run as efficiently as possible, so that you can make the best possible use of your fuel. Plus, regular oil changes will help keep your engine in great condition for years to come!

One factor that you may not have considered with regards to your gas mileage is your speed. When you drive above roughly 60 miles per hour, you run the risk of wasting energy due to increased wind resistance. The higher you push your speed, the harder your car has to work to fight against the wind resistance and maintain that speed. The same goes for driving with your windows down versus using your air conditioning. Driving with the windows down allows for greater wind resistance, so switching over to air conditioning at higher speeds will help conserve energy. In order to help keep your speed low, you can try sticking to the right lanes when you're on the highway. Faster traffic tends to drive in the left lanes. You could also use your cruise control to help maintain a constant speed, or even avoid highways altogether and stick to back roads which will have lower speed limits.

The last option we want to offer will help you find alternatives to driving. Of course, we don't always have control over our transportation options, and driving may be the only way to get around. However, if you want to make a big difference in your personal fuel consumption, you can seek other modes of transportation like busses, trains, biking, or carpooling. If you commute to work or school on a daily basis, you could seek out other people in your area going to the same destination, and setup a carpool group to share the driving so that everybody benefits. You can also make an effort to walk to destinations that are only a short distance away, and research train and bus schedules that will help you get around for a lower cost!

Are you ready to make the most of your vehicle, and save money on gas while doing it? If so, then schedule your appointment with us here at Reedman-Toll Subaru in Exton, Pennsylvania. Here, our friendly and knowledgeable technicians will be able to help you out with oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignments, and any other services you might need. We're also happy to help answer any questions you might have about your specific vehicle, and help you find the best services to suit your needs. Making an appointment here at Reedman-Toll Subaru can be done right here online by filling out the service request form right here on our website. Or, give us a call to schedule by phone, or speak with a member of our service team. We look forward to working with you soon!