How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Sarasota, FL

We’ve all been there before — cruising along the highway on your way to your destination when the dreaded gas light flickers on inside your dash. It’s a frustrating experience, especially if you’re running late or there isn’t a gas station nearby. Plus, not only are frequent gas station stops bothersome, but they can be expensive, too. The team here at Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota wants to help you make the most out of every gallon! Whether you drive a gas-powered car, a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, our tips on how to conserve your gas can help you with your daily commute. Take a look below to discover our six steps to increasing your gas mileage today!

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour

While avoiding rush hour isn’t possible all the time, there is some flexibility after work and on the weekends. For example, if you need groceries and you’re leaving the office, avoid the highway and do your grocery shopping before heading home. If you’re thinking about the best time to leave for a vacation, factor in rush hour, especially if you’d be driving through a city in the morning, during lunch or after 5 p.m. We also recommend combining errands, whether that’s after work or on the weekends, to further reduce your fuel consumption.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Did you know that every 100 pounds of weight in your car can reduce your miles per gallon by up to one percent? It may seem like a trivial percentage to worry about, but that one percent decrease in your mpg can cost you up to an additional four cents per gallon.¹ Removing excess weight can reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, so we recommend taking unnecessary items out of your car. You’ll see the most improvement in your mpg when luggage, boxes, furniture and other heavy items are removed.

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

Here’s another fact about cars that you may not know: Driving above the speed of 50 mph can decrease your gas mileage.¹ It may be tempting to speed, but besides the legality of it, we recommend using cruise control on long highway stretches to stay at a constant speed so your gas mileage won’t be negatively affected.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long

Turning off your car when you’re not driving can save your fuel from burning unnecessarily. You’ll also reduce emissions that harm the environment. Can’t turn off your car since you’re stuck in traffic? Try turning off your climate controls instead.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Using the correct motor oil as specified in your owner’s manual is just good sense, but did you know that it can also increase your fuel efficiency? When you use the manufacturer’s recommended motor oil grade, you can see your fuel efficiency jump by one to two percent.²

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

It’s always important to keep up with your vehicle’s regular maintenance, not only because this will increase its longevity, but also because routine services like oil changes or filling your tires with air can increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Noticing anything strange about your vehicle’s performance? Let one of our expert service technicians take a look. We’ll keep your car running as smoothly and efficiently as possible!

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 Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota at 3500 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239. We look forward to serving our customers near Venice.

¹For more information, visit Driving More Efficiently .

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