Do you ever feel like you are filling up a lot more than you should be? Your driving habits, such as speeding and rapid braking, could be taking a toll on your vehicle’s MPG. However, it’s easy to reverse these bad habits into good, fuel-conserving practices. Just follow the tips below!
Slow and Steady Wins the Race….or Just Better Fuel Economy
There are a lot of reasons people speed: running late, trying to make the light, lead foot, etc. However, none of them are good reasons! Not only will working on your bad speeding habit reduce your risk of getting a ticket or causing a collision, it will also benefit you financially. In fact, according to fueleconomy.gov, for every 5 mph you go over 50 mph, you’re essentially paying an extra 16 to 33 cents more per gallon of gas.
So, by following posted speed limits and giving yourself extra time to get to your destination, you could be saving a few bucks every time you fill up—that’s latte money!
Take Your Time to Accelerate and Slow Down
There’s a lot of pressure to speed up right away after a light change, but stepping down on the gas could be costing you. Rapid acceleration, whether coming from a dead stop or when speeding to pass, takes quite a bit of fuel. The same goes for slamming on your brakes! Coasting to a stop will also help improve gas mileage, as well as add more time to your braking system’s lifespan.
Don’t Be Idle
You may have heard this countless times as a child, but the same applies for driving. According to fueleconomy.gov, idling can use upwards of a quarter of a gallon per hour! So whether you’re waiting in the school pick-up line or you are stopped for a train, shutting your engine off will definitely make a huge difference in terms of fuel economy. Plus, you’ll be helping prevent needless pollution—it’s a win-win!
Pro-tip: Depending on the Lexus car or SUV you drive, your vehicle may already be equipped with a start/stop system that helps improve efficiency when stopped.
Clean Out the Backseat and the Trunk
At one point or another, we must all ask ourselves, “Do I really need all of this stuff in my car?” More likely than not, the answer is no. Removing excess weight from your backseat and trunk means there is less weight for your vehicle to carry around, which in turn means it takes less fuel to motivate your engine.
As estimated by fueleconomy.gov, for every extra 100 pounds of cargo you take out, you can reduce your vehicle’s mpg by about one percent. Time to get cleaning!
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Helps, Too
Your vehicle’s MPG can also be affected by several mechanical issues, such as low tire pressure, old motor oil and a dirty air filter. By getting routine maintenance, including regular oil changes, you can keep your vehicle performing its best.
If it’s been a while since your last service appointment, it doesn’t hurt to have your car inspected by our Lexus-certified service technicians to make sure your vehicle is operating smoothly!
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