Tips to Be a More Fuel Efficient Driver

  • Vern Eide Motorcars Tips to be Fuel Efficient Slider

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Since 1965, Vern Eide has always been involved in the Sioux Falls community. From employees donating their time to providing environmentally friendly automobiles, Vern Eide is always striving to do what’s right. So when it comes to driving around Sioux Falls or taking a road trip, we have outlined some tips to help you optimize your vehicle’s MPG (miles per gallon) and steps for becoming a more fuel efficient driver. Before you know if you’re improving your new or used vehicle’s MPG you need to start by understanding your current gas mileage. It’s a pretty simple process but getting started is the key.

  • Fill Up Your Tank
  • Set Your Trip Odometer to Zero
  • Drive as Usual
  • Fill Your Tank
  • Calculate Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency Calculation

To calculate your fuel efficiency just divide the miles you drove by the fuel you put in your tank. Depending on how you typically drive your Honda, Acura, Toyota, or whichever brand you purchased, knowing the difference between highway MPG versus city MPG is crucial. The Black Hills in Rapid City are a common attraction in South Dakota that many drivers visit every year. A road trip to visit Mt. Rushmore is an example of highway MPG and most vehicles will produce a higher MPG in this scenario. Cruising down to Falls Park and then hitting up your favorite local business in Downtown Sioux Falls is an example of city MPG.

Improve Highway MPG

Vern Eide Fuel Efficient Driving Mount Rushmore Image

For your next road trip, improving your highway MPG is a great way to cut back on your expenses. Here are a few tips on how you can improve fuel efficiency:

  • Drive the speed limit. For all those drivers with a little lead in your foot, driving the speed limit is helpful.
  • Inflate Your Tires. Properly inflated tires save gas and wear. Check the owner’s manual or ask a Vern Eide technician to help with the correct PSI for your tires.
  • Roll up the windows. This seems pretty simple, but rolling up all of the windows will help reduce drag.
  • No roof or luggage racks. Taking the rack off will reduce the vehicle’s weight and save gas.
  • Turn on A/C only when you really need it. South Dakota summers have the potential to be pretty hot, so it’s not always an option to turn off your air conditioning.
  • When appropriate, use your cruise control. This can save on road trips and improve your highway MPG.

Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency

Okay, we’re off to a good start with these recommendations to improving fuel efficiency. By implementing a few additional tips you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more fuel efficient driver. Whether you’re driving a new car or used SUV these suggestions will help keep your vehicle in great shape and protect your investment. The best way to maintain your vehicle’s value is with regular car maintenance, but for many reasons, we just don’t do it often enough.

  • Have a regular engine checkup. Check with your local used car dealership if you’re driving an older model to know how often you should schedule your visit. For most new cars, every 5K is pretty common, but not necessarily the same across the board. Our team at Vern Eide will explain what’s best no matter what you drive.
  • Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Not only can under-inflated tires be dangerous, but they also burn more fuel.
  • Get routine oil changes. Don’t react, be proactive and protect your vehicle.
  • Change the air filter as often as outlined in the owner’s manual and even more if you drive in dusty conditions.
  • Corroded battery cables cause the alternator to work harder, using more gas. Have them cleaned as a matter of course with each engine checkup.
  • Don’t let the vehicle idle. Idling consumes half a gallon to one gallon of gas per hour and isn’t good for the environment, either. Engines only work hard under load and will warm up much quicker if you simply start the engine, wait for 20 seconds, (this builds the oil pressure) and drive away.
  • At the pump, keep the hose in your gas tank until after the pump shuts off and make sure you allow all the fuel to pour out of the nozzle.
  • Check your gas cap seal. Over time, the rubber seal on your gas cap will start to break down, allowing oxygen to leak into the gas tank. This lets an overabundance of air to enter the engine as it pulls gasoline from the tank and causes the engine to burn more gas.
Vern Eide Fuel Efficiency Road Sign Image
Visit Service Center
Schedule Service Appointment
Shop Service Specials
Vern Eide 43.4984156, -96.7717476.