Get More Fuel Savings and Better MPG with These Helpful Tips
There are many things people look for in a new car, from good handling and an upbeat performance to user-friendly technology and an attractive interior and exterior. Fuel economy is also a highly sought-after characteristic. Say, for instance, you opt for the 2016 Nissan Juke. Fuel economy will depend on a number of factors. For instance, those with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) can deliver around good mpg, while those with AWD typically get a bit less. But, there's always room for more fuel savings and better mpg, right? If you're looking for ways to save money at the pump, continue reading.
Driving Habits
You may not realize it, but your driving habits play a significant role in mpg. Here are some tips to make your fuel last longer.
- Drive Less:Â The most obvious way to avoid excessive trips to the gas station is to drive less. While this is not always possible, some ways to drive less include combining errands into one trip, walking or biking, and carpooling to work and school.
- Slow Down:Â There's no denying that many of us ignore the speed limit, but this is dangerous as well as a fuel waster. This of it this way: faster driving causes an increase in wind resistance, which equals to a decrease in fuel. The best way to save gas is by driving just below the speed limit and accelerating slowly.
- Brake Less:Â When driving, your brakes will be used rather consistently. But, if you brake excessively, you are actually doing more harm than good. Not only does excessive braking cause your brake pads to wear out more quickly, but it also wastes gas. An easy solution to this problem is to avoid tailgating. By maintaining a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you, you won't need to brake as often and, in turn, save gas.
- Turn off the Engine:Â In the school carpool lane, in standstill traffic or at a drive-through window, your car may idle for an extended period of time. Along with the annoyance of being at a standstill, you'll also be faced with the annoyance of lost fuel (it's also bad for the environment). Instead of letting your engine idle, simply turn it off and save your fuel for better purposes.
Car Maintenance
Along with certain driving habits, mpg can also be negatively affected by the health of your vehicle. Here are a few ways to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.
Check Tire Pressure
One maintenance service that can help you achieve optimal fuel efficiency is regularly checking and maintaining tire pressure. Tires can cause a decrease in fuel economy for a number of reasons. One is due to too little air. Under-inflated tires suffer too much contact, or friction, with the road. This causes your vehicle to work harder to move, which results in lower fuel economy.
Tune the Engine
How long's it been since you've taken your car for a tune up? If you're scratching your head at the question, it is a good idea to schedule one. A regularly tuned engine is going to run much more efficiently than one that is not. It will also use less gas, which is a win in fuel savings.
Limit Air Conditioning Use
If you live in a hot climate, air conditioning is probably one of your best friends. The problem with this is that excessive
 use of the air conditioner while driving causes fuel economy to drop. When possible, turn your air conditioning off. You can also keep your car cooler by parking in the shade or rolling down the windows to help circulate air.
For more info on the 2016 Nissan Juke and fuel-saving tips, visit our Faulkner Nissan dealership in Harrisburg, PA.
