GAS SAVING TIPS

Save Gas, Tips for Fuel Economy this Summer

During the Michigan summers we tend to stay active by going camping and spending the day at the beach. We drive everywhere to have the best summer of our life but the amount of fuel we use really adds up at the end which is why we wanted to leave you with a few tips for this summer's adventures when you are driving around.

1. One of the best ways to keep up with your fuel economy is regular oil changes. This is basically the first step of owning a car. Old oil, if not properly replaced can negatively impact your gas mileage and overall health of your vehicle's engine. By taking your car in when it needs an oil change will do wonders for your vehicle.
   
   
2. A second really good way to help your fuel economy is keeping to the minimalist way of packing. Unless you have plans for a suitcase to be full of extra clothing that is mounting up in the back of your vehicle, get rid of it. Its best to pack only safety gear, frequently used accessories, and the items you really need for your trip. Take out the unusable stuff that you won't be using this summer. You know the winter clothing and rain gear that has piled up throughout the seasons. The lighter your vehicle is, the less energy the engine has to use to move the vehicle, therefore, less gas you will end up using.
   
3. Believing in the myth of cruise control. Although many individuals may claim that leaving a set speed limit for the car helps, it actually can hurt your fuel economy. Not all roads are paved well making it sometimes more difficult for the vehicle to adjust according to the road. Just put yourself back in control, driving carefully and smoothly, and you will be by far better at adjusting to the environment you are in than the vehicle's computer.
   
   
4. Simple but true, pay attention to your tires. To get the most out of your fuel, make sure you tire pressure is not under inflated and you have the right seasonal tires on. If the tires of your vehicle are under inflated, the car is dragging rather than coasting. You know gravity? It will take a good chunk of cash out of your pocket from such a simple lack of air in your tire. Secondly, if you had winter tires on your vehicle make sure to switch them to the summer tires to make most of your traction. Those tires are very important to your vehicle's fuel efficiency, so take the time to stay on top of their maintenance.
   
   
5. It gets hot in the summer; I completely understand that. I'm not close to being a hot weather person myself, you should see me laying on the tile in my kitchen during those hot days away from the beach. But I want to inform you that running the A/C does use up precious energy provided by your fuel, so using it economically is important. If it is too hot for your liking outside, go ahead and run the A/C but keep those windows rolled up so the vehicle remains cool. If you want to be even more efficient with your fuel intake, take a alternative route and drive by the lake or through the woods, this will help keep your vehicle naturally cooler. You could even invest in a front window sun visor for while your car is parked, this will help your A/C from having to work so hard trying to cool the car back down again.
   
   
6. Lastly, the engine. If the engine is functioning poorly, if you notice any strange smells or sounds from under the hood, you should get that checked out before heading out on your trip. Its important to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that you aren't burning though all your gas.
   

We hope these tips help you with your gas mileage this summer. Stay cool and have fun!