Local gas prices were hovering a few pennies above $2 per gallon during the last week of February.
As we entered March, the price of fuel came roaring in like a lion moving up to almost $2.50 per gallon in some places. With Spring quickly approaching, one would figure that the sub $3 per gallon price may seem like a pittance compared to how high it may ascend. That's why getting the most gas mileage out of our cars is extremely important.
Prudent shoppers list gas mileage at the top of their agendas when purchasing a new car. The only proof we have of how much gas your potential vehicle will use is either by word of mouth from the salesperson or by looking at the EPA's fuel estimations on the window sticker. Although you may be satisfied with the numbers you were told or read, those figures do not always match the actual gas mileage you get after making that car your own. Is this a case of being betrayed? Not really. It's just that a myriad of factors can alter the numbers you once believed to be gospel.
With limited resources the EPA does not have the time nor essentials to monitor the gas mileage of every single car in circulation. For that reason, the EPA have entrusted each individual auto maker with the task of testing their vehicles and presenting buyers with their findings. The reality is, however, that if one car is said to get 30 miles per gallon, but only gets 25 and another one is said to get 20 mpg, but only gets 15, you will still be getting better gas mileage out of the one that is higher.
Usually, the gas mileage on the window sticker or what is told to you by your salesperson is used as a comparison against other cars - not as a guarantee. Technology was modified in 2008 to keep up with the advancement made in vehicle production, especially with the abundance of hybrids that have hit the road, but it isn't perfect yet. Results can vary depending on the driver who is operating the car, the type of vehicle (for example is it the standard class of that particular car or is it the top model) and driving conditions. Also, the extra features your car possesses such as a luggage rack, a bike rack or extra cargo can skew the printed gas totals.
Thankfully there are a few things you can do to better your gas mileage and get it as close to the sticker numbers as possible:
- Try to keep your car free of excess baggage (that doesn't mean to leave your significant other at home)
- Avoid fast accelerations in your car (it uses 3 times the amount of gas)
- Keep all 4 tires at proper pressure
- Make sure to keep the spark plugs clean
- Use an octane booster every so often (1 ounce of booster per 1 gallon of gas)
- Do routine oil changes (usually every 5000-7500 miles)
- Try to pass cars only on flat surfaces or down hill (never pass going up hill) and attempt passes while on the move not from a dead stop
- When traveling at speeds above 55 mph, have the side windows up because wind can hit the back glass slowing your vehicle down (I know right??!!)
- Do not allow your car to idle for long periods of time
- Once you hit your desired speed maintain it (using cruise control on long trips is helpful too)
- Route your trip (especially when running errands around town) so you are not making several trips to same area or stopping a lot at traffic lights
- Do the normal engine maintenance
A trusted salesperson most likely would have gone over a lot of these suggestions if he or she was asked. That same person wants to make your buying experience an excellent one and wants you to return so it's a good bet that deceiving you about the gas mileage you'll be getting is not part of the selling strategy.
If you follow some of the provided tips it's safe to say you won't be getting gassed the next time you look for a fuel efficient vehicle.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Fred Martin's service department at 330-793-2444.