A car isn’t just a status quotient, but a convenient mode of transportation that gives you the independence to travel as you please. You don’t have to adjust your schedule according to others or rely on public transport. However, it can also be expensive, especially the gas bills. Therefore, you should pick a vehicle that offers good gas mileage. That being said, your driving habits make a significant impact on the fuel efficiency of your car.
If you just started driving, here are some driving tips to improve your gas mileage:
Tips for New Drivers to Improve Their Gas Mileage
Do Not Idle Your Car
Letting your car idle might not seem like a big deal, but it significantly affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Even if your vehicle isn’t moving, keeping it idle burn gas. Therefore, warm up your car engine by driving it, not by idling. A general rule of thumb is to turn off your ignition if you’re waiting for more than 10 seconds. You should also avoid areas with traffic jams to minimize the idling time.
Do Not Slam On The Gas
Hitting the gas pedal too hard not only wear out bushings and other suspension components but also decrease your gas mileage. Always push slowly on the gas when driving to maximize the gas mileage potential of the car. If you drive a lot, you will observe a noticeable change in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. So, the next time you’re backing out of your garage or a traffic signal turns green, accelerate slowly.
Avoid Sudden Braking
Never slam the breaks unless you need to avoid a critical situation that requires you to the emergency brake. Sudden braking significantly reduces not only the brake system’s effectiveness but is also a huge waste of gasoline. Always break gradually over a long distance, or better let the vehicle naturally decelerate and only apply the brake when needed.
Drive Within The Speed Limit Of Optimum Gas Mileage
The faster you drive, the more drag your vehicle creates, resulting in higher gas consumption. Each car has an optimal driving speed, which offers the best fuel-efficiency. Typically, gas mileage starts decreasing after the 50mph mark. Determine the speed limit of optimum gas mileage and stay under it to save on gas. Also, choose routes without a lot of intersections and stops to maximize the gas mileage potential.
Keep Your Vehicle’s Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage by simply keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. When there is the optimal level of air in the tire, it decreases the resistance on the ground, allowing a car to roll more smoothly. So, make sure to keep tires properly inflated to improve your gas mileage—and maximize the useful life of your tires.
If you want to improve your driving skills or apply for a license, we can help. At Champions Driving School, we provide DPS Driving Test and teen driving classes in Houston. We’re also authorized by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a third-party skills testing (TPST) school. To find out more, get in touch with us today!
Pinehurst: 832-934-3077
Cypress: 281-477-6177