Do you visit the gas pump more often than you would like? Although advertisements may state otherwise, there isn’t a product that can save gas, but there are several tips to follow to ensure good gas mileage. At MAIF Insurance Online, we help drivers get insurance coverage for their vehicles. We also want Maryland drivers to take care of their vehicles and get the most out of their mileage. Follow these tips to ensure that you’re saving fuel.
Improve Your Gas Mileage in Maryland
There are several things you can do to improve your gas mileage:
Keep a Consistent Speed
Speeding up and slowing down use more fuel than staying at a consistent speed. Typically, gas mileage decreases over 50 mph. Observing the posted speed limit saves fuel and makes the road safer for you and your fellow drivers.
Clear Out Your Car
Extra objects in your car can add weight to the vehicle. Clear out any nonessential items like boxes or bags. However, you can keep a spare tire, tire gauges, and an emergency kit in your vehicle. Additionally, keeping cargo off of your roof can reduce aerodynamic drag.
Check Tire Pressure
You can check your vehicle’s optimal tire pressure in the manufacturer information in the owner’s manual or the sticker on the door. Keeping your tires at the correct pressure can also prevent breakdowns and accidents. You should also ensure that your tires are aligned properly, as misaligned or worn tires can impact fuel usage.
Avoid Idling
Idling is unavoidable when there’s traffic. However, if you are waiting in a parking spot or waiting for much longer than anticipated, turn off the car. Restarting the car will consume less fuel than sitting idle for one or several minutes. Depending on air conditioning use and the engine size, idling can use a quarter of a half of a gallon of fuel per hour.
Check Your Air Filter
You may not even think that a dirty air filter can impact fuel usage. However, dirty air filters, especially in older vehicles, can increase fuel usage. When you change your oil, check your air filter. Typically, you can switch out your air filter once a year to increase efficiency.
Do you need driver’s insurance in Maryland? Call MAIF Insurance Online at [new_patient_phone_span]. You can also get a free car insurance quote online. Let us know if you have any questions about your insurance options; we will be happy to help you.