6 Smart Tips to Increase Fuel Efficiency When Driving

Whether trying to cut down on monthly costs or feeling motivated to do more to help to protect the environment, there are plenty of good reasons to want to use less fuel when driving.

However, regardless of the motivation behind the incentive, there are plenty of smart fuel-saving tips that all drivers should be putting to use this winter to help get the most out of their new Honda Accord lease in Los Angeles this winter, so be sure to read on to find out more!

1. Always Avoid Idling the Engine

Most people will automatically leave their engine idling when they come to a stop while driving, whether it be at a long stoplight during rush hour, at a train crossing, or even waiting outside of a friend’s house to pick them up. However, this is a bad habit that uses a lot of unnecessary fuel, and it is one that most people could really stand to break.

Sure, it might be convenient to leave the music playing when pulling up for a stop, but most contemporary vehicle models can actually safely run their electronics for over an hour on battery power alone, so there is really no good excuse here, especially when California residents don’t have the same cold temperatures that other Northern climate zones might have to contend with.

Speaking of cold temperatures, however, should there be a need to idle the vehicle to warm it up, it also bears noting that modern vehicles don’t require more than 30 seconds of idling until their engine is sufficiently warm, so even in cold weather, a car should never be left to idle for more than a minute before driving. The interior of the vehicle will heat up more quickly when in motion than when it is sitting still regardless.

2. Opt for a Slow and Steady Driving Pace

Drivers who opt for a slow and steady pace when driving will consume a lot less fuel than anybody who is constantly hammering down on the gas pedal and the brake. Pushing down hard on the accelerator will give the engine a hefty dose of fuel, and this means that it will burn more to cover the same distance than it would if the accelerator was being depressed at a steady and reasonable pace.

Meanwhile, overusing the brakes not only wreaks havoc on the brake pads, potentially causing them to wear down prematurely, but will also require endless acceleration to get back to speed. Keeping a safe driving distance and allowing plenty of room to slow down at a leisurely pace is the best way to avoid spending more than necessary on fuel because a driver is a bit too quick to jump on the brake.

So while slow and steady may not technically win the race, drivers who opt for a more safe and mature approach when they take to the road will be rewarded by a more enjoyable, comfortable, and affordable driving experience, and that is a big win indeed.

3. Don’t Carry More Weight Than Necessary

A lot of people will mount racks on their vehicles to help them carry their bikes, skis, kayaks, and other outdoor gear. While a vehicle can be a great way to get out of the city and drive a wonderful adventure, it is likewise important that owners take the time to remove those bulky racks, equipment, or any added bulk while it is not in use.

Admittedly, the idea of keeping everything on hand can certainly be tempting, especially for somebody who might be considering heading out again sometime in the near future. But the upshot here is that the more weight a vehicle’s frame has to support, the more fuel it will have to burn to propel itself forward. This means that those who leave those empty racks on their vehicles at all times are also coughing up more in fuel costs than they need to be.

4. Pass on the Air Conditioning

As lovely as it may feel on a particularly warm day, air conditioning is a major gas guzzler, and as such, drivers who want to increase their fuel economy might want to consider using their fan or opening their window instead. Likewise, parking a vehicle in a shaded area will help prevent it from heating up excessively when not in use, and thus reduce the urge to reach for that AC dial.

That said, when the heat is unbearable, it is totally fine to indulge, but just be sure to use the air conditioning consciously rather than turning it on automatically.

5. When It Comes to Buying Fuel, Plan It Out

Fuel prices rise and fall on a regular basis to satisfy market demand, and this means it pays to fill up on days like Monday or Tuesday when fewer people are likely to be out and about. Typically, prices will start to rise on Wednesday and stay high right through Saturday, so it is a good idea to try to avoid buying gas any time between this four-day window when it can be avoided.

Likewise, pay attention to the location of the gas station itself. Those that are situated in convenient locations like on the side of the highway will usually charge more than those that are in the heart of a large urban center, so it is better to swing into town whenever possible.

Ensuring that the gas tank is always over the half-tank mark will reduce the need for spontaneous or emergency fill-up splurges and give vehicle owners ample time to plan out their fill-up strategy.

6. Upgrade to a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Model

Older vehicles can be real guzzlers, and even if a vehicle is still in good running condition, it is still often more economically efficient in the long run to trade it in for an upgrade.

Take for example the hybrid Honda Fit in Los Angeles. These vehicles are not only the first compact size hybrid available on the market, but they come at an affordable price point that is hard to resist.

In addition to investing in a hybrid or electric technology, another smart hack can be to opt for a standard transmission vehicle.

These vehicles usually offer better fuel mileage than an automatic vehicle, but keep in mind that major manufacturers have invested big in producing better, more fuel-efficient vehicles in recent years, so any more modern model will probably burn less than its more dated counterpart.

This means that, essentially, now is the perfect time to go ahead and take out a new Honda Accord lease in Los Angeles today, so don’t be afraid to head down to a local dealership to find out more.

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