The total cost of buying a used car goes beyond the price tag. Other costs like auction and shipping fees are involved in the purchase process. However, the total cost of the vehicle also includes maintenance, repairs, and of course, gas expenses. This is also known as the total cost of ownership. There are things you can do to reduce this cost. In this article we’ll tell you how to improve gas mileage on your used car and save some money in the long run.
Tips to Improve Gas Mileage
Yes, the purpose of this article is to help you improve your car’s gas mileage and save money. However, it is also to help you increase your knowledge on some things you can do that can also keep your car running properly and safely. Following these recommendations will ultimately also help you avoid maintenance issues.
Reduce Excess Weight
Do you usually use your car as storage? Consider cleaning it out and just carrying the essentials on a daily basis. Excess weight will make your engine work harder to move the car, reducing your gas mileage. Be careful if you have a front-wheel drive. Carrying excess weight on the rear axle can cause the front wheels to not have a correct grip which will also reduce gas mileage. Believe it or not, cleaning out that extra weight will help you gain a mile or two per gallon.
Don’t Use the Wrong Type of Motor Oil
The engine of your car is designed to work best with a specific type of motor oil. Every owner’s manual contains the information of the motor oil recommended for that particular car model. Using a different motor oil will create friction causing the engine to burn more fuel while it works harder. You can improve gas mileage by making sure you use the recommended type of motor oil indicated by your owner’s manual.
Further Reading
- How Saving Money at a Used Car Auction Works
- Buying the Best Used Honda Car for Sale
- How to Choose the Right Used Hyundai for Sale
- Used Ford Car for Sale: How to Choose the Right One
Check Your Car’s Gas Cap Seal
Believe it or not, your car’s gas cap may also affect your gas mileage. The seal on the gas cap will start to tear down with time. This will allow oxygen to leak into the tank which will cause the engine to burn more gas. Make sure the gas cap on your car has a tight seal. If you notice that it’s starting to wear down don’t wait to change it. Having a tight seal on the gas cap will help you improve gas mileage and save more money.
Check Your Tires Regularly
Always make sure that your tires are inflated properly. When tires are low – even if it’s undetectable – the engine has to use more gas to move the car. This could significantly reduce your car’s gas mileage. Check the owner’s manual for the information on the pressure indicated for your car.
Drive at the Speed Limit or Below
Most car models don’t have a top-efficiency speed greater than 60 miles per hour. This means that driving faster won’t help you if you’re looking to improve gas mileage. We know it’s fun to drive fast sometimes but driving slower will definitely help you add some miles per gallon. Plus, it will also help you avoid getting an unfortunate speeding ticket.
Finally, we do recommend you keep your car on point with its regular maintenance. If your car is running smoothly and has optimum performance you can also save a lot of money in the long run.
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