7 Fuel Saving Tips to Boost Your Car’s MPG

For drivers on a budget, practical fuel-saving tips can lead to substantial savings over time. But improving your car’s fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about maximizing performance and reducing environmental impact. 

Thompson Sales in Springfield, Missouri has over a century of experience supporting drivers in the area. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning a road trip, these fuel-saving tips will help you get the most from every gallon.

1. Master the Art of Smooth Driving

Aggressive driving can slash fuel efficiency by up to 33% on highways and 5% in cities. From rapid acceleration to sudden braking, expressing frustration with dangerous driving puts everyone on the road at risk. Additionally, it expends unnecessary fuel and causes wear and tear on your vehicle. Here are some ways to drive more safely and save at the gas pump. 

Accelerate Gently

When driving, imagine balancing a cup of coffee on your dashboard. If you drive too quickly, you’ll risk spilling it, burning yourself, and ruining your car’s beautiful interior! Gradual acceleration reduces fuel burn.

Maintain Steady Speeds

Use cruise control on highways to minimize speed fluctuations. According to J.D. Power, studies show that changing speed significantly impacts fuel economy. Varying speeds between 47 and 53 mph every 18 seconds can increase gas consumption by around 20%!

Work With, Not Against, Traffic

While you should avoid speeding, go with the flow of traffic when appropriate. Coast to decelerate instead of braking abruptly. This preserves momentum and reduces fuel waste.

Pro Tip: Driving between 30 and 55 mph optimizes fuel economy by balancing wind resistance and engine efficiency.

2. Optimize Tire Pressure Monthly

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Proper inflation, on the other hand, can boost your MPG. According to the Department of Energy, underinflated tires can result in 2% to 10% higher fuel consumption. Tires that aren’t filled to their recommended pressures also pose a safety risk.

• Check tire pressure weekly, especially when tires are cold (e.g., after the car has been idle for hours).
• Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found in the owner’s manual or driver’s door sticker).
• Underinflation by just 10 PSI may reduce fuel efficiency by 10%.

3. Ditch the Dead Weight

Every 50 lbs of excess weight reduces fuel economy by 1%. Clean out your trunk and remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use. Aerodynamic drag from roof-mounted items can further decrease efficiency, especially at high speeds.

Make the Most of Our Fuel Saving Tips With New Parts 

Every vehicle can benefit from a parts upgrade! Visit the Parts Center at Thompson Sales to discover the perfect pieces for your vehicle. New tires, gas caps, and other accessories can help take your fuel efficiency to the next level. The Parts Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

4. Minimize Idling and AC Use

If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn your engine off. Idling wastes fuel and emits unnecessary carbon dioxide. Depending on the weather, this option might not always be ideal. However, it can eventually add up to cost savings!

At low speeds, open windows for cooling. On highways, closed windows reduce drag, making air conditioning more efficient. 

5. Stay on Top of Maintenance

A well-tuned engine performs efficiently. Prioritize these maintenance-related fuel-saving tips. You can also check out our guide to Essential Maintenance Tips for Drivers in Springfield, Missouri to learn more. 

• Schedule regular oil changes. Use high-performance engine oils, such as Mobil™, to reduce friction and sludge buildup.
• Replace air filters as recommended. A clogged filter can cut MPG by 15%. In general, you’ll need to do this every 2 months or 12,000 miles.
• Have a professional mechanic check your engine. Address issues like faulty oxygen sensors or spark plugs promptly.

Regular servicing improves fuel economy by ensuring engine components work smoothly. Visit the Service Center at Thompson Sales in Springfield, Missouri to keep your vehicle running smoothly. You can also schedule your service appointment online.

6. Plan Smarter Trips

Combine errands to avoid multiple cold starts, which burn extra fuel. Use navigation apps to bypass traffic, hills, or construction zones. For longer commutes, consider carpooling or public transit to split fuel costs.

7. Choose the Right Fuel and Drive Strategically

To get the most out of these fuel-saving tips, use the recommended octane level. Premium fuel isn’t always necessary unless specified. Additionally, be sure to tighten your gas cap completely. Loose caps cause 147 million gallons of fuel to evaporate annually. Ensure it clicks twice when closed.

We get it–driving fast can be thrilling, especially in a new luxury vehicle from Thompson Sales! But it’s best for you, your car’s performance, and the community to follow posted speed limits. Fuel consumption jumps 20% at 75 mph vs. 55 mph. Stick to speed limits for better efficiency.

Considering an Electric Vehicle? The Smart Alternative to Our Fuel Saving Tips

For drivers serious about eliminating trips to the gas station altogether, an electric vehicle offers the best savings. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term ownership costs are significantly lower.

EVs at Thompson Buick GMC

If you’re in the Springfield, MO area, Thompson offers a variety of new and used EVs that align with different needs. Consider exploring the following options.

Buick EVs

Keep an eye out for Buick’s upcoming EV offerings. Buick is committed to an all-electric future. Explore our available Buick inventory or visit our dealership to learn more!

GMC EVs

The GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV are game-changing examples of electric power, performance, and off-road capability. These models demonstrate that EVs can be both fuel-efficient and incredibly versatile.

The Advantages of Going Electric

The most obvious benefit is the elimination of gasoline expenses. You’ll power your vehicle with electricity. This is often cheaper per mile than gasoline, especially when charging at home during off-peak hours.

Electric vehicles also tend to be low maintenance. With fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, there’s less need for routine maintenance tasks. This is a huge incentive for car buyers when determining if electric vehicles are worth the investment.

Depending on your location, you may be eligible for federal, state, or local tax credits and rebates. This drives your costs down even further! Electric vehicles also produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint.

Make the EV Switch at Thompson Sales

Visit Thompson Sales Buick GMC in Springfield, MO, to explore available EV models and our charging stations. Our knowledgeable staff can help you determine if an EV is the right choice for your driving needs and budget. Reach out today to learn more.