How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Punta Gorda, FL

Whether you’re cruising around the city or starting your cross-country road trip, there’s nothing like being behind the wheel of a new Toyota. The only thing getting in the way of enjoying the open road is having to stop by the nearest gas station and fill up your tank. Stopping at the pump can be an inconvenience, and with high gas prices, it can also be costly. The team at Gettel Toyota of Charlotte County is devoted to helping you get the most out of every gallon. One way is to upgrade to an electrified vehicle, but if you’re not ready for that, there are still plenty of ways to conserve fuel with a gas-powered car!

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour

You can get better gas mileage by avoiding rush hour traffic, but we know that’s not always possible. However, even if our daily work commitments keep us on a tight schedule, there’s still time after work hours and on the weekends to run errands when traffic is lighter. You can also research the best times to travel and avoid any potential traffic delays along the way. Exploring the best times for your trips, completing errands after work and grouping errands to avoid unnecessary outings are just a few ways to reduce fuel consumption.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Excess weight in your car increases drag, which reduces overall fuel efficiency. Did you know that every extra 100 pounds can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as one percent? That can cost you up to an additional four cents per gallon.¹ We recommend removing non-essential items from your car to maximize fuel efficiency.

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

Avoid the temptation to speed while driving. If you drive above the speed of 50 mph, your gas mileage will decrease quickly.¹ It is best to keep your speed at or below 50 mph when possible for a more efficient drive and lower fuel costs. When you’re on the highway and need to drive faster, cruise control is a great way to maintain a consistent speed.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long

It’s always best to turn off your vehicle when it’s not in use. This will help conserve fuel and reduce emissions, benefiting the environment. If you are stuck in traffic and can’t turn your vehicle off, don’t worry — there are still ways to save energy. One way is to turn off your climate controls when possible, helping to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Unless you’re driving an all-electric vehicle, you’ll need to change your motor oil. It’s important to always use the right grade of motor oil for your car. Using the manufacturer’s suggested motor oil grade can boost your fuel efficiency by up to two percent.²

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Scheduling regular maintenance is key to your vehicle’s health and better fuel efficiency. If you detect any issues with your engine’s performance, don’t wait — it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible. If you’re looking to keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape, schedule a service appointment with our experienced team of technicians today.

If you need further advice about your vehicle or you’re interested in upgrading to a new fuel-efficient car or electrified vehicle, feel free to contact us or stop by our dealership at 1801 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 . We look forward to serving our customers near Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice and Fort Myers.

¹For more information, visit Driving More Efficiently .

²For more information, visit Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape .