How to Be Fuel-Efficient When Driving

Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon in La Crosse, WI. That’s just one reason why you want to lower your refueling costs every time you drive on daily commutes and weekly runs to the grocery store. If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, you’ll notice that they likely have higher fuel efficiency numbers than older vehicles. However, you should still utilize fuel-efficient driving habits to make those gas mileage numbers happen on a regular basis.

Find out how to be fuel-efficient on every drive in Rochester, MN. Your pocketbook will be glad you did.

5 Tips on How to Be Fuel-Efficient When Driving

Whether you’re going to the office in Onalaska, WI or hitting the highways for a weekend getaway to your favorite lake or camping destination, make the most out of your car’s engine with our tips on how to be fuel-efficient.

1. Accelerate Gently 

Press the gas pedal gently. The faster you suddenly accelerate, the more fuel you use. Take about five seconds to bring your vehicle up to 10 mph from a stop. Plus, this will give you plenty of following distance behind the car ahead of you. 

2. Plan Ahead for Traffic

Stop-and-go traffic is a horrible waste of fuel and it causes extra strain on your engine. To avoid rush hour, leave at least 15 minutes earlier than normal while finding a shortcut to reach your destination without the hassle. New vehicles may be equipped with an automatic engine stop device that will stop the engine’s consumption of fuel at a stop, but that technology isn’t everywhere yet. 

3. Avoid High Speeds

To achieve the best possible fuel economy on the highways, keep your speed between 55 and 65 mph, so long as you’re following the speed limit. Drive any faster and your vehicle will be less fuel-efficient. This is one of our fuel-efficient driving habits that’s easy to maintain with cruise control on interstate highways near Winona.

4. Coast to a Stop

If you want to know how you can save fuel while driving on hills, there are a few things you can do. If there’s no one ahead of you and you need to come to a complete stop, take your foot off the gas pedal and let your car coast. Coasting reduces the car’s reliance on the pistons to generate speed. How else can you save fuel while driving on hills? Reduce your speed as you venture uphill and accelerate slowly to gain speed. Then, use your car’s forward momentum to coast downhill by easing off the gas. It’s easy to save fuel while driving on hills!

5. Use AC at Highway Speeds

Car AC does require gas for it to work. Use it sparingly when you’re traveling around town if you want to save on gas using fuel-efficient driving habits. On the highways, using your car’s AC vs. rolling down the windows is actually more efficient. This is because opening the windows increases the drag coefficient. Use your AC when driving 55 mph or faster.

Test Drive a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle for Sale in Winona! 

Interested in a fuel-efficient vehicle? Contact us or call (507) 452-3660 to schedule a test drive with our team. Perhaps your current vehicle’s fuel efficiency isn’t what it used to be. Schedule service with our dealership, and we’ll look things over. We also handle oil changes, batteries, brakes, and everything your car needs!