While getting good fuel economy is something that everyone thinks about when they choose a vehicle, did you know your driving habits can also have a big impact on what your overall miles per gallon ends up being?

While the manufacturer will test the vehicle to determine what the optimal miles per gallon is, these tests are done in specific and ideal conditions that may not reflect actual road conditions you might encounter.

Fortunately, there are many tweaks you can make to your driving habits to ensure you are getting closer to the advertised fuel efficiency every time you are on the road. Read on to learn more!

How Can I Improve My Car’s Fuel Economy When I Drive?

Take off any roof racks when not in use. The overall aerodynamics of your vehicle have a large impact on your fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. This is why removing any roof or cargo racks when they are not being used is such a helpful tip—by increasing the airflow around the vehicle, your car’s engine will not have to burn as much gas to get where it is going.

Avoid sudden speeding up and braking. Safe driving is not only important for your health, but it is important for your fuel economy, too! Sudden acceleration and braking can significantly speed up the wear and tear on your vehicle and require you to use more gas when you are on the road.

Do not idle your vehicle unnecessarily. While it is true that you might see a slight reduction in fuel efficiency during cold weather, that does not mean that idling your car to warm it up is the correct answer. Idling adds unnecessary pollution to the air and uses unnecessary gas, leading to a less optimal fuel economy overall.

Do not exceed the speed limit. Driving at higher speeds leads to a higher amount of wind drag on the car, which can impact fuel efficiency performance. Driving above highway speeds can lead to a significant impact on how much gas your vehicle uses for the trip.

Is your car not as fuel-efficient as it used to be? It may be time for a tune up. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can take a look!