Tips on Improving Fuel Efficiency

In recent years, Ford has turned its focus to designing new vehicles that conserve every last drop of fuel on Visalia roads, incorporating fuel-saving features like Auto Start-Stop technology and a highly-efficient lineup of EcoBoost® engines. However, if you want to make the most of your fuel economy, you should be sure to follow Porterville Ford’s five easy tips on improving fuel efficiency. Learn how to improve your gas mileage below and feel free to reach out or visit us in Porterville with any questions!

5 Easy Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

Avoid Rush Hour Traffic

For the sake of your fuel economy (and sanity), plan your trips ahead of time or leave early to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Constant braking, accelerating, and idling all burn through an excessive amount of fuel and cause stress to your vehicle’s drivetrain.

Slow it Down

Driving at high speeds is not only dangerous, but it also burns through more fuel. The ideal speed for fuel efficiency is somewhere between 55 and 65 mph. However, following the speed limit should still be your top priority. 

Gently Accelerate

Pressing too hard on the gas pedal will not do your fuel economy any favors. Whether the stoplight has just turned green or it’s your turn at a four-way stop sign in Tulare, practice gentle acceleration and allow your vehicle approximately five seconds to reach 10 mph from a standstill.

Coast Whenever Possible

Another great way to improve your gas mileage is to allow your vehicle to coast to a stop when you’re approaching a red light or stop sign. Of course, you should always make sure there are no cars ahead of you first.

You can also save fuel while driving on hills by practicing this method. Slowly accelerate uphill and let your vehicle’s forward momentum take you downhill. 

Use Your AC on the Highway 

When hot weather rolls around in Delano and you run your AC, your vehicle naturally needs to use more fuel. However, that doesn’t mean you need to avoid using the AC completely. 

In fact, it is actually more efficient to run your AC in some scenarios than driving with the windows down. For instance, you shouldn’t drive with your windows down on the highway because it increases the drag coefficient and forces your vehicle to work harder to move forward. If you’re just driving downtown, however, you can turn off the AC and roll your windows down to save fuel.

Learn More About How to Improve Gas Mileage with Porterville Ford!

If you’re interested in learning more tips on improving fuel efficiency, our friendly and knowledgeable experts at Porterville Ford will be happy to fill you in! For instance, did you know one of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage is by keeping up with routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations? Contact us today or check out our service and parts tips to learn more.