I currently have a pretty gas efficient car. It was one of the top priorities on our list when we purchased this car because we didn’t want to have to pay a ton for gas. It has worked out well for us; I average about 34mpg driving citywide but could get it up to 40+ mpg if we travel.
So, how do you improve your gas mileage on an SUV that isn’t known for gas efficiency?
Say you are looking at a 2018 Toyota Highlander from Thompson Toyota. The average gas mileage for the highway is 27mpg. That would be a huge change for me. Losing that 13+ mpg may not seem like a lot but it is in the long run. Here are son tips to improve your gas mileage in even an SUV.
Make sure the tires are properly inflated
Under-inflated tires cause the engine to do more work, which in turn causes the gas used to be higher. Always make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended psi. Being under-inflated by 10 PSI per tire can cost you five MPG or more.
Check your gas cap seal
The gas cap seal will start to break down over time so make sure you check it. Leaving a broken seal can let oxygen into the gas tank and in turn, into the engine. This will cause the engine to burn more gas.
Watch your speed
Driving the speed limit will help you with your gas efficiency. Cars vary at which speeds they are most efficient, but none have a top-efficiency speed greater than 60 miles per hour.
Coast to spot signs and red lights
If you take your foot off the gas pedal and coast until you stop when coming up to a red light (or stop sign), you can save much more gas than if you accelerate to the red light before stopping. This ring true for high exits as well.
Use cruise control
Using cruise control helps maintain a safe, legal, and gas-efficient speed. Plus, using cruise control helps reduce the need to accelerate and brake, which makes travel more gas-efficient.
There are plenty more tips out there, what is your favorite to help you be more gas efficient?