Whether you’re heading to work or on a summer road trip, you can certainly appreciate the benefits of better gas mileage. However, aside from buying a hybrid, what can you do to improve your car’s efficiency? Through a combination of auto maintenance habits and careful driving, you’ll start saving money at the pump before you know it.

3 Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

If you refer to your car’s manual, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure level, which is more accurate than the one written on your tires. Every month or so, check your tire pressure with a gauge and add or remove air until it matches the figure in the manual. Properly inflated tires will support your car’s weight and help it move faster while using less energy, therefore, saving you gas.

2. Avoid Stop-&-Go Traffic

If you live in a city, look for a detour from that stop-and-go traffic you frequent throughout the day. When your car moves at a consistent speed, it puts less strain on the engine, saving you fuel. Accelerating quickly and coming to sudden halts will force the engine to make extreme efforts, using up more gas to move the same distance. Therefore, even if your detour takes up more time than your usual route, applying a steadier speed will improve your gas mileage.

3. Change the Filters

After you head to the gas station to refuel, the oil moves through a fuel filter, which traps small particles like dirt and dust that can clog your engine and severely damage your car. Just like AC filters, this component needs to be changed on a regular basis to ensure efficiency. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your fuel filter every 10 to 15,000 miles. In older vehicles, you can also improve gas mileage by changing air filters.

If you’re looking for an auto maintenance professional to tweak your vehicle for optimal performance and efficiency, turn to Brothers Tire Sales of Kannapolis, NC, for help. They have over 50 years of experience providing car maintenance and tire services, including brake repairs, oil changes, and tire replacements. To learn more about how they can improve your ride, visit their website. You can also call (704) 933-2203 to schedule an appointment for auto maintenance.