Simple Tips To Save Fuel and Money

Rising gas prices and concern for the environment have led many Tampa area drivers to look for ways to be more fuel-efficient. While the first and most important step is visiting Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton to find a new or used model with great fuel economy, there are also a few simple ways to cut back on the amount of gas your current car uses. Keep these tips in mind and you will be saving gas and money in no time.

• Decrease Speed: Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency diminishes the faster you drive. Although it may take a little longer to get where you need to go, the savings can really add up if you take your time.
• Keep Tires Filled: When a vehicle’s tire pressure is low, the tires have increased rolling resistance, which means more gas is needed to move the car. It is important to check tire pressure in colder temperatures. When it is warmer, the tire pressure increases, giving a false reading.
• Keep Air Filters Clear: Air cannot flow correctly into the engine when the filter is too cluttered with dust and debris. Changing the air filter is a quick and easy fix to make sure your car is operating efficiently. You’ll know you need a new filter if you hold it up to the sun and are unable to see light through it.
• Empty Out Unnecessary Items: All of the extra stuff you keep stored in your car can actually make the car use up more fuel. The heavier the car is, the more fuel it needs to get going.
• Don’t Accelerate Too Quickly: Speeding away from a stoplight is not very good for a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For an automatic, accelerate moderately to allow the transmission to shift up to higher gears. Also, look ahead to see if you will be encountering anything that would make you have to slow down. Speeding up and braking right away wastes fuel.
• Stick to Stock Tires: Although it may be more fashionable to have newer and bigger tires, it’s most likely that those wider tires will create more rolling resistance. That increase in rolling resistance causes more fuel to be used, so ditch the sport rims and start saving.

These tips can help every driver help beat rising fuel costs. Try them all today and see how much you can save! If you’re ready for a new super fuel-efficient vehicle, check out the 2013 Chevy Volt at Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton!