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Tips for Improving Gas Mileage

More money in your pocket, more time between fill-ups, lower emissions—there are lots of reasons to want better gas mileage for your vehicle. Though every vehicle’s fuel efficiency is limited, the way you drive, the places you go and the condition of your car all contribute to how many miles you get out of a tank of gas. To help you stretch those gas dollars, we’ve collected 7 practical tips that will get you more miles between stops at the pump.

1. Pay attention to your tires
Saves up to 8 cents per gallon
One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy is to ensure your tires are inflated correctly. Surprisingly, over 25 percent of all vehicles on the road have improperly inflated tires. Not only does this reduce your gas mileage, but it causes premature tire wear. In addition to inflating your tires, getting your tires rotated and balanced will also instantly improve fuel efficiency.

2. Get the junk out of the trunk
Saves up to 6 cents per gallon
It may be time for you to clean out your trunk. By reducing the weight in your vehicle you can instantly increase fuel economy. In addition to improving gas mileage, you are also putting less stress on the rest of your vehicles components and systems such as the engine and brakes.

3. Use the ideal motor oil for your vehicle
Saves up to 5 cents per gallon
Whether you decide to have professionals handle your oil changes or prefer to do it yourself, be sure you are using the ideal motor oil for your vehicle. This means finding the thinnest-viscosity motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

4. Consider a front-end alignment
Saves up to 28 cents per gallon
We’ve all braced ourselves from the impact of running into potholes. Over time these impacts lead to misalignment in your wheel system. A misaligned vehicle reduces mileage, causes premature tire wear, and forces your engine to work harder. If you notice your car pulling to one side or vibrates when driving, it may be time for you to get a wheel alignment.

5. Give your brakes a break
Saves up to 99 cents per gallon
If you have your left-foot constantly pressing on the brakes when driving, you’re doing more damage than you think. Firstly, you wear out the pads and rotors prematurely. Secondly, you stress your vehicle’s system by constantly demanding tons of weight to stop. Lastly, your passengers will appreciate a smoother ride! If you feel your brakes aren’t performing as they should, come by for a free, no-pressure inspection of your brake pads, discs, and rotors.

6. Idling? Turn off the engine!
Saves up to 2 cents per gallon for every 2 minutes
One of the best ways to save gas is to simply turn off your car’s engine when idling. This includes sitting at an extended stoplight for more than 30 seconds. In fact, some newer vehicles automatically switch the engine off after a few seconds of idling for this very reason! Another fun fact, you don’t need to “warm up” the engine before driving – it’s a myth that costs you fuel!

7. Replace your dirty air filters
Saves up to 15% of fuel consumption
Think of your engine air filter as a vacuum. The suction strength is affected by obstructions in the bag. When the bag is full, emptying or replacing it brings the suction ability back to full strength! Similarly, if your engine air filter is clogged up with dust and debris, your engine will have to work harder to draw air to mix with fuel. Replacing your engine air filter will instantly bring improved fuel economy!

About Spirit West Rapid Refinish

Spirit West Rapid Refinish, established in 2011, was formed to focus on providing quality service for customers who are paying out of pocket for automobile repairs and streamline the workflow volume.

We take great pride with teamwork and our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques.

We are proud to say our team is family, and we treat our customers like family too. Whether you need minor collision repair services, bumper repair or vehicle paint, give us a call today (636) 386-8060 to see how we can restore your vehicle to its original factory finish or stop by the shop 14643 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm closed 12pm-1pm daily.