Improving Toyota fuel efficiency is a great way to spend less time and money at the gas pump. You can make certain changes to your driving habits to improve fuel efficiency, and getting regular maintenance is also essential for great gas mileage.
Keep Your Load Light
Take anything non-essential out of your car during your day-to-day driving. Heavier loads reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by around one percent per 100 pounds.
Keep Your Speed Moderate
It may be tempting to drive as fast as the speed limit allows while on the highway, but this isn’t great for your gas mileage. Driving 10 to 15 mph slower on the highway can make a tank of gas go farther. Your fuel economy starts to decline once you drive faster than 50 mph.
Keep Your Car Turned Off
If you plan on quickly heading in somewhere to run an errand for just a few minutes, then it may be tempting to leave your car running. However, this uses up gas. Your car uses less fuel when restarting the engine than when left idle, so always turn off the engine when you’ll be away from the car for a while or are stuck in traffic for a substantial amount of time.
Keep Your Acceleration and Deceleration Gradual
Although many modern cars can get from 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds, it’s not a good idea to accelerate this rapidly. Instead, aim to accelerate steadily, going from 0 to 15 mph in five seconds. Accelerating gradually helps improve your fuel economy.
Gradual deceleration is also essential. Instead of hard braking, gently ease your foot onto the brake pedal to come to a slow stop. Rapidly accelerating and hard braking frequently can significantly reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Keep Cruise Control in Mind
Don’t forget about your cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps your car remain driving at a consistent speed, which is better for its fuel economy. Always aim to use this feature when it’s safe to do so.
Keep Enough Air in the Tires
Having properly inflated tires can improve your fuel efficiency. Every one PSI below the recommended PSI reduces your gas mileage by approximately 0.3 percent. Having properly inflated tires also makes your journeys safer and can increase your tires’ lifespan.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
The less stress your car is under, the better it’s going to perform. Stop by the dealer for regular maintenance to ensure every component of your vehicle can work as it should without struggling. Many issues, from needing an oil change to having faulty spark plugs, can reduce your gas mileage.
A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car, so come to Fox Toyota of El Paso in El Paso, TX today. Get in touch with our service department at 915-268-0134.