Follow These Tips & Tricks to Save On Gas in the Northern Chicago Suburbs

How To Optimize Your Fuel Efficiency in the Northern Chicago Suburbs

If you’ve experienced a feeling of dread when you need to stop at the pump lately, you’re not alone. Gas prices around Chicagoland have increased enough to make anyone’s jaw drop. Fortunately, you don’t need to make significant lifestyle changes to stretch your dollar further next time you fuel up. Today we’ll explore the best tips for optimizing fuel economy while driving around the Northern Chicago suburbs.

Gas Saving Tip #1: Drive at a Relaxed Pace

These days, we’re all busier than ever. Finding time to commute to work while maintaining family obligations isn’t easy. As a result, we can exceed the speed limit, accelerate rapidly, and slam on the brakes without realizing it. If you’re frequently driving at highway speed around Northern Chicago, these aggressive driving habits could lower your gas mileage up to 33%. Make sure to maintain a healthy distance behind leading vehicles whenever possible. Also, accelerate at a smooth pace unless you have no alternative. Consider obtaining a driver feedback device or downloading an app that tracks your performance if you need extra assistance.

Gas Saving Tip #2: Avoid Excessive Idling

We’ve all been in a situation where we were waiting for a friend or family member and left our car running. While this behavior can seem harmless, it can consume a lot of fuel over prolonged periods. For this reason, newer vehicles often feature auto start/stop technology at stop lights. Newer cars save fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions by turning off at stop lights. Even if you don’t own a state-of-the-art vehicle, you can always do your part by turning off your engine after you’ve safely parked.

Gas Saving Tip #3: Get Rid of Excess Weight

Cleaning out your trunk could have benefits that extend beyond peace of mind. For every 100 pounds of around extra equipment in your vehicle, you could decrease your fuel economy by about 1%. Moreover, this effect will be more pronounced if you’re driving a smaller car. Make a habit of only keeping essential safety and travel items in your storage compartments to mitigate unnecessary fuel consumption. One final note of caution, avoid storing cargo on your roof whenever possible. Storing items on your vehicle’s roof increases drag and hurts fuel economy, especially during highway driving.

Gas Saving Tip #4: Keep Your Engine Healthy

Besides increasing your car’s overall performance, keeping your engine in top shape will noticeably improve your gas mileage. If you aren’t sure how often to get your vehicle serviced, we recommend determining a maintenance schedule with your local dealership. Beyond saving money at the pump, you’ll reduce your need for more costly repairs down the road. As a general rule, stop by your local repair shop every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

Gas Saving Tip #5: Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Even if you maintain excellent driving habits, your tires will slowly deflate over time. Therefore, as a best practice, you should check your tire pressure monthly. You can find your vehicle’s ideal tire pressure by checking the sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or glove compartment. Alternatively, consult your owner’s manual. Leaving tires underinflated hurts your fuel efficiency and decreases tires’ lifespan.

Visit your local Castle AutoPlex McHenry dealership for more tips and tricks on maximizing your fuel efficiency in the Northern Chicago Suburbs!

Sources:
https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/gas_saving_tips_2015.pdf
https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/In-vehicle-Performance-Monitoring-and-Feedback
https://www.castleautoplexmchenry.com/maintenance-schedules