Ten Money-Saving Driving Tips

If you are in the market for a new car, you can look for the most fuel-efficient model possible. There are hybrid and electric options available, giving you a wide range of choices. If you are not in the market for a new car, there are ways you can save money with your current vehicle. You may need to change some of your driving habits, but it is possible. Check out these ten ways to save money while driving. 

#1 - Have a Travel Plan

Before you leave your house for the day, make a plan of where you want or need to go. This allows you to plan efficiently and make stops in a logical way to reduce the amount of travel and driving needed. If you know you will be out, take a look at the gas prices and find the gas station with the best price. There are many apps available that tell you the current gas prices at all the gas stations in your area. 

#2 - Smart Navigation 

Some vehicles and navigation systems are equipped with smart navigation. You enter where you plan to go that day, and it gives you the best route that avoids congestion. Likewise, the app can tell you the best time to travel.

#3 - Follow Speed Limit

It has been shown that staying between 35 mph and 55 mph is the most fuel-efficient speed for your vehicle. The faster you drive, the more fuel you burn. Utilizing tools like cruise control helps you stay at a consistent speed and burn fuel more efficiently. Stopping and starting quickly should be avoided as they burn gas faster. 

#4 - Regular Tire Pressure Check 

When the temperature increases, it impacts the air pressure in your tires. This can lead to the degradation of the rubber. You should check the pressure of your tires on a regular basis. When they are not appropriately inflated, they wear quickly and unevenly. This can potentially cause engine problems. 

#5 - Avoid Short Gears and Idling 

When you can, use the highest gears when driving at high speeds. Many cars today have gear shift indicator technology that determines the ideal gear shifting point. You should use this technology to its fullest. Idling is terrible for fuel consumption. If your car is idling longer than 10 seconds, you are consuming fuel. At this point, turning off your car and turning it back on uses less fuel than allowing it to idle. 

#6 - Use AC Sparingly 

Using the air conditioner in your car sucks up the gas. It consumes 10% more gas than not using the AC at all. On the hottest days, air conditioning is needed. However, when it is a nice day outside, consider rolling down the windows and opening the sunroof instead. 

#7 - Wind Resistance

When driving at high speeds, wind resistance can increase your fuel usage by as much as 20%. If you have roof racks and bike racks on your car, only use them when needed. You should remove them when not in use. 

#8 - Regularly Scheduled Maintenance 

Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule helps to keep your car running at maximum efficiency. It would be best if you got regular tune ups on your vehicle as part of its maintenance. Visit Sport Cadillac to ensure your car's fluids, brakes, battery, and filters are in top condition. This also helps keep your vehicle hydrated during the hot months. Your car needs fluids just like you do. A technician at Sport Cadillac can ensure you have adequate coolant and oil levels. 

#9 - Lighten Your Load

As much as possible, do not carry any extra weight in the trunk or back of your vehicle. Every 100 pounds you have increases your fuel usage by 2%. In addition, when your car is heavier, it takes more fuel to move the vehicle, which burns more fuel. 

#10 - Avoid Wide Tires

While wide tires grip the road better than thinner tires, they are bad for fuel consumption. This is because wide tires increase the rolling resistance created, which reduces your car's fuel efficiency. 

Sometimes you have to balance enhancing one aspect of your car and the fuel consumption increases. For example, with wide tires, you must determine if the grip they provide is worth the gas they consume. For some things, the answer may be yes. For others, it is easier to make changes that decrease the amount of fuel your car uses. You can make informed decisions and save money when you know what will help reduce fuel consumption.