The average price for a gallon of gas now is far lower than it has been in recent months, but this doesn’t mean you should forget about fuel efficiency all together. In fact, now is a great time to hone your good driving habits, so you’ll be prepared when fuel costs eventually increase once more. It’s also helpful to know how to conserve gas if you’re looking to buy a used car, as the fuel economy of older vehicles may not be as impressive as some newer models. Here are five ways to get the most of every drop of gasoline.
1. Drive less
This may seem obvious, but you may want to think about how often you drive. If your destination is close enough, you can always walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Consolidating trips can help improve fuel economy as well.
2. Ease up on the pedals
Accelerating quickly and braking hard burns up more fuel than if you gradually speed up and slow down. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that aggressive driving reduces your mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds.
3. Check your tire pressure
Underinflated tires create more friction on the road surface, so it takes more energy to keep your car moving. Maintaining the proper air pressure can improve your car’s fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the DOE.
4. Don’t idle
It takes far less fuel to restart a car than it does to keep the engine running. Idling for two minutes uses approximately as much gas as driving one mile, so shut off the engine when you’re parked.
5. Keep your car in tune
A car that runs well will also be fuel efficient. Make sure to get regular tune-ups and oil changes.
Drivers in the market for a fuel-efficient used model can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.