Don't Break the Bank When You Fill Your Tank

3 Tips for Fuel-Saving Success

We all miss the days of $1.09/gallon fuel, but gas prices aren’t going to come down anytime soon. In fact, they only seem to continue to rise on a regular basis. Over the past 20 years, fuel prices have hiked up over 200%.

But don't panic - you don't have to empty your bank account to keep your vehicle on the road. To get where you’re going safely without thinning your wallet too fast, here are some tips on how to save money at the fuel pump.

1 – Stop the Top-Off

It's been recommended for a long time, but here's a reminder why you shouldn’t top off the gas tank. Most people think they'll get those few extra miles before refilling the tank by topping it off when, actually, it wastes precious extra dollars and cents that add up quickly over time.

The extra little gas evaporates as the fuel heats rather than making it to your engine. So, rather than giving you a little extra distance to the next pump at the end of the tank, you’re actually watching your hard earned cash evaporate.

2 – Recommended Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure can lead to a blowout, which is dangerous. But it can also negatively affect your gas mileage, which leads to a larger dent in your pocketbook. In fact, most regular maintenance (such as getting tires rotated or wheels aligned and changing your oil on schedule) have an effect on how far a gallon goes.

When your tire pressure is low, fuel mileage drops because the the vehicle works harder to get the rubber of the tires to grip the road. This additional gruntwork requires greater torque, in turn leading to higher fuel consumption over the same distance.

Know the ideal tire pressure for your tires. Most manufacturers publish their recommendations online, so it's easy to find. In general, most tires require at least 30 psi, so when in doubt, keep your tires filled to at least this level until you can determine the exact recommendations.

3 – Lighter Load in the Gas Tank

Stop filling your tank to the full line. A gallon of gas weighs just over 6 pounds, and this adds up fast, especially when you have a large tank. The average car carries at least 60 pounds of gas when the tank is full, and most carry more. The weight of a full tank adds quite a bit of drag and costs you on fuel mileage, so try not to fill it over ¾ of a tank.

Of course, letting your tank drop too low can lead to a fuel clog as well as make the fuel system work harder to achieve the same goal. Again, this leads to greater fuel usage to go the same distance. Try to hit a gas station before you drop below ¼ of a tank. Avoiding low levels of gas, as well as heavy full tanks, can offer a nice chunk of savings over time.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles by CJDR

Of course, the vehicle you drive can make a big difference, too. Starting with a fuel-efficient vehicle will make the savings add up faster. At Clay Cooley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Irving, we have a broad range of fuel efficient new vehicles to give you a head start, including:

• Dodge Challenger – The 2021 Dodge Challenger might look like a sports car, but it gets far better fuel economy, with up to 30mpg highway (and even 20mpg city), with a powerful 303 horsepower engine on the base model. Best of all, the 2021 Challenger is affordable, with MSRP starting as low as $29,450.
• Jeep Compass– The 2021 Jeep Compass is also an affordable option, with great fuel mileage, especially for an SUV. The 180-horsepower engine gets you an exciting 22mpg city and 31mpg highway fuel economy, and the price starts at just $24,495.
• Jeep Cherokee – Even the 2021 Jeep Cherokee has great fuel efficiency, compared to other SUVs in its class. With 180 horsepower, the 2021 Cherokee keeps you fuel efficient with 31mpg highway and 23mpg city. The price isn’t a deal-breaker, either, staring at $27,890.

Visit Clay Cooley CJDR of Irving for a wide selection of New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM models that offer surprising fuel efficiency. You can also find tons of used cars that offer great gas mileage. With a little understanding of how to save on fuel prices, coupled with the right new vehicle or one of our preowned vehicles for your needs, you can save hundreds of dollars a year!