The Folsom Auto Mall is here to help when it comes to quick and easy tips on how to conserve gas when you're running low on fuel. Check out these suggestions and swing by the Folsom Auto Mall to make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible!
1. TURN OFF THE AC 2. FIND A GAS STATION
Even if it's hot. Really hot. One of the first things you might’ve learned in Driver’s Ed is: turn off the A/C. That’s because when the air conditioning is off, it reduces the stress on the engine. This increases efficiency and MPGs, helping you make it to the pump before it’s too late.
Don’t just wing it. Don’t assume you can just stop at the next exit because sometimes the next exit doesn’t come or there’s no station nearby. Safely use your car’s navigation system or your smartphone to find the closest gas station.
3. SLOW DOWN
When trying to save gas, there is no “need for speed.” The faster you drive, the less likely you are to make it to the gas station. At 45-55 miles per hour, vehicles are the most fuel-efficient. Drive slow and steady. Just drive the speed limit and try to relax.
4. NO ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Don’t charge your iPads, iPhones, laptops; turn off the stereo. By killing power to all your devices, the savings will be minimal but it can actually make a difference when it comes to getting to the pump.
5. KEEP THE WINDOWS UP
Reduce. Wind. Resistance. Drag can cost you gas. Yes, we understand that now the A/C is off and the windows are up, but too bad! The truth is, keeping the windows up and AC off are the two best ways to save gas when you’re low.
6. DRIVE DOWNHILL
If you have the option. If your GPS happens to give you a Shell at the bottom of a hill and a Chevron at the top of the hill, choose the Shell at the bottom. We have nothing against Chevron, but you guys should really build your gas stations at the bottom of hills. Coasting (i.e. driving without your foot on the gas) as much as possible might just get you to the station!
7. DON’T DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY
It was Archimedes who first articulated that “the shortest path between two points is a straight line”. He was really smart and even though he died in 212 BCE (that’s a long time ago), this advice still applies! No weaving through traffic. No hard stops, engine revving or slamming on the gas. Driving aggressively can reduce gas mileage by as much as 33%!
8. USE CRUISE CONTROL
Using cruise control can ensure a consistent speed which can save on gas over time. (It also helps you to avoid speeding, which can drain your gas faster.) Fact: when on a flat highway, using cruise control can increase gas mileage by 7%.
9. MONITOR YOUR BRAKING
Braking too much decreases efficiency. Of course, if the light turns red, you should still stop. But aggressively braking and accelerating will eat up your remaining gas, fast!
10. TURN OFF THE ENGINE
Idle engines use a ton of fuel. So, if you see that you’re going to be stopped for a while, turn the car off. If your vehicle is equipped with Auto Start/Stop, make sure this fuel-saving tech is activated.
And remember, if - for some reason - you do find yourself out of gas, roadside assistance comes standard on every new vehicle from every manufacturer at the Folsom Auto Mall. We're talking Ford, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Nissan. So give ‘em a call! Also, keeping your vehicle properly maintained will also ensure you’re getting the most out of your gas tank. So keep your service up-to-date at one our service departments! Good luck, watch that fuel gauge and stay safe on the roads!
