How to Maximize Your Gas Mileage During Hot Texas Summers

Simple Tips You Can Follow to Get the Most Out of Your Trips to the Pump

It’s the age-old question: “How do I get better gas mileage out of my vehicle?”

With gas prices nearing $3/gal. for regular unleaded gas in Texas, a lot of vehicle owners are asking themselves if there are any ways to improve their fuel economy so they can save some money at the pump. Obviously, there are going to be some aspects that are out of your control, such as the standard fuel efficiency of your vehicle. If you’re driving a gas guzzling Hummer or similar vehicle, there’s not much you can do to improve your situation beyond changing up to something more fuel efficient. If you search “VW dealership near me” you’re going to find numerous upgrade options. For instance, the VW Jetta for sale gets 30 city/41 highway mpg.

However, there are other ways that don’t involve a new or used vehicle purchase that can help you stretch those gas dollars a little bit further. Implement the following tips to help you get the most out of your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Tip #1 – Use Fuel-Efficient Driving Methods

As any VW service center mechanic would tell you, when it comes to driving with fuel economy in mind, a more measured and tactful approach is the way to go. If you’re constantly gunning the engine for the sake of achieving excessive top speeds or fast acceleration, you’re going to be hitting the gas pumps before you know it to refuel. Instead, try to run the car at slower overall speeds and don’t floor the gas pedal when accelerating. If you take it easy on the gas and brake pedals, you’re going to notice overall better fuel efficiency with the car because you’re not driving it as hard.

Tip #2 – Vehicle Maintenance and Tires

It can be easy to forget to do required maintenance, but this is yet another way in which to improve your vehicle’s overall fuel economy. At the very least, make sure that you’re getting your oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and that your tires are properly inflated. Adhere to the ideal PSI out of your driver’s manual when it comes to tires, and make sure to check them on a regular basis if you don’t have a low tire pressure alert on your vehicle. Driving on low tires is terrible for fuel economy. When it comes to Volkswagen service, always go with VW parts to ensure compatibility during maintenance.

Tip #3 – Real-Time Engine Monitoring

If you really want to dig into the data of your vehicle, then you might want to invest in a real-time engine monitor. This device is typically used by dealerships and professional mechanics so that they can comprehensively diagnose a vehicle and its systems, including all things relating to the engine and fuel economy. Some of the more high-end monitors will allow you to analyze your driving habits and see how they affect your fuel economy in real-time.

Tip #4 – Drive with Minimal Weight

The more weight you’re hauling, the more fuel you’re going to burn through. Remember, your fuel efficiency standards are determined by your car’s manufacturer using no additional weight, so you’re going to see a noticeable drop-off in performance if you’re hauling lumber or other heavy objects such as toolboxes and construction equipment. In fact, for every additional 100 pounds you add to your vehicle’s weight, you can expect a 1 – 2% increase in fuel consumption.

Tip #5 – Add a Pickup Truck Cap

Weight slows down a car and can eat up fuel, and wind is no different. For trucks, an open bed is essentially a wind trap that is going to drag your vehicle down, meaning you have to apply more gas than normal in order to get to the speeds you want. To get around this, simply add a cap to your pickup truck so that your vehicle is aerodynamic again. Gas caps improve gas mileage by an estimated 13 – 20% on average. Much of that increase depends on the truck itself and the cap that you get. A good rule of thumb is the more aerodynamic the vehicle, the better it will be for your fuel economy.

Check Out Fuel-Efficient Volkswagen Cars

When it comes to cars and SUVs with fuel efficiency, Volkswagen is at the top of its game with several different options sure to please any auto enthusiast looking to save money at the pump. Volkswagen cars are highly regarded as some of the most fuel-efficient cars in the industry. As previously mentioned, the VW Jetta is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles we offer. We also have the Volkswagen Passat for sale and the VW Golf for sale in several different variations. Best way to get familiar with our fuel-efficient vehicles is by visiting VW Clear Lake, which is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy. in Houston. Use the contact us form to schedule your appointment to test drive a new or used Volkswagen today.

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