Make Your Gas Go Further
We all know how to save on gas, right? Drive less! For most that’s just not an option so we’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you get the most from your tank by improving fuel economy. Believe it or not, there are quite a few little things you can do to get optimal range out of your car, truck, or SUV. From driving habits to maintenance here’s what you should do to get the most from your tank!
Habits
Take it easy. Seems everyone is in a hurry these days but keep in mind that speeding can reduce your fuel economy by 7% to 14%. Combine that with rapid acceleration and hard braking, your fast habits can affect your MPG as much as 30%! The average price for a gallon of gas in Illinois is $4.52. That means driving a little less like Mario Andretti can lead to a savings of between 32 cents and $1.35 per gallon.
Unload the Extras. If you’re planning a road trip you need lots of extras but leaving them home for your daily commute can save you some green. An extra 100lb can reduce your gas mileage up to 1%. For every 100 pounds in extra weight you’ll be spending up to 7cents more per gallon. Think outside the proverbial box too! If you have a roof rack, cargo box, or other accessories that you’re not using on the daily, stash ‘em in the garage for a spell. At highway speeds, roof-mounted carriers can reduce your fuel economy by up to 17% while the rear-mounted options drastically reduce that impact to as little as 1%. A quick chat with our Parts & Accessory team can tell what options best suit your cargo needs!
You’ve got a friend in cruise control. According to Edmunds.com, using cruise control under appropriate conditions can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. Right now, that could save you approx. 63 cents per gallon.
Ready to go electric?! We have just the thing! Chevy, GMC, VW, and BMW all have great EV options and they’re on the showroom floor for you to explore. Our team of EV Specialists have spent months training to provide you with all the information to make the choice that’s best for your budget and lifestyle. Fun fact, it costs about $5 to “fill the tank” of the Volkwagen ID.4 all-electric SUV PLUS you can custom build yours today!
Maintenance
Little things matter. Minor vehicle maintenance can save you big! The U.S. Department of Energy says 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline—approximately 1% of total consumption – are wasted each year on underinflated tires. When was the last time you checked your tires? Your fuel economy can be reduced by up to 3.3% for every tire that is underinflated by 10 PSI. Find the recommendations for your vehicle on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Alignment is key. Do you ever get the sense that your tires are dragging more than rolling? That my friend means you need an alignment. Misaligned tires can reduce your fuel efficiency by about 10%. That’s just under 50 cents per gallon. Plus you’ll wear those tires out more quickly. Have an upcoming service appointment? Tell your Service Advisor you’d like your alignment checked.
Replace your air filter! A dirty air filter passes less air to your engine which can impact your gas mileage by as much as 10%. Our team of Certified Technicians recommend replacing your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles depending on your driving conditions. Not sure when yours was last replaced? Your Chevy, Buick, and GMC Service Advisor can tell you! Better yet, bring your vehicle in for our Gas Saver Special and get a new engine air filter starting at just $65 for domestic gas engines. They’ll even check your tire pressure and alignment for FREE. Schedule your appointment for any make and model HERE. Running short on time? We have a new Express Service kiosk that makes servicing your vehicle easier than ever. You can schedule an appointment, drop-off, pick-up, even pay 24/7 right here in the Chevy Certified Service lane.
Sparkless. If you’ve noticed your gas mileage plummet you should schedule an appointment to have your spark plugs replaced. Misfiring spark plugs can decrease your fuel economy by nearly 30% and cost you up to $1.35 per gallon at today’s prices. Don’t forget to check out our specials because for a limited time you can save 15% off parts when you have your spark plugs replace.
Trade in that gas guzzler. We know that running out to buy a new car isn’t in the budget for everyone. However, if you’ve been thinking about trading up NOW is the time. The fuel economy of vehicles has come a long way in just 10 years. For example, in 2010 a brand new Chevy Equinox got approximately 21 MPG in the city and 32 highway miles while a 2020 boasts 28/39. Find out how much your car, truck, or SUV is worth by phone when you text “VALUE” to (815)745-5434. Shop the lot and you might just find your perfect upgrade. You can even browse our new and certified pre-owned inventory at Bachrodt.com. Learn more about your vehicles fuel efficiency and compare models at fueleconomy.gov.
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