Get better fuel efficiency with these five tips

 Are you sick of shelling out at the pump? We get it - it's expensive enough to own and operate a car, and it certainly doesn't help when fuel prices start to climb like they are right now. Luckily, there are simple ways to trim down your budget without having to make too much of an effort. One of them is to improve your fuel efficiency, and our Charlotte auto service techs are here to give you their top five tips to make it happen. 

Five simple ways to boost your fuel efficiency

Tip #1: Use cruise control when you can. Did you know that using cruise control can actually improve your fuel efficiency in a big way? When you put this feature into play, your car maintains a constant speed until you tell it not to. This helps to make the most of the fuel you have without burning extra. (It also makes your drive time more relaxing.) However, be sure to use it when it's appropriate. It's not really safe to use it when driving at night, and you definitely want to avoid it in bad weather or congested traffic. Really, you should only use cruise control when you're on the highway and can maintain a constant speed. 

Tip #2: Stop driving aggressively. Stop driving like a maniac. No, seriously. The more aggressively you drive, the more fuel you're going to use. If you want to boost your fuel efficiency, then you should try to accelerate and brake smoothly, as well as refrain from speeding and weaving in traffic. When you put the pedal to the metal, you burn more fuel. 

Tip #3: Consolidate your trips. When you have to run errands, try to consolidate your trips. The fewer trips you're out and about, the less fuel you'll use! Try not to backtrack, streamline your errands, and take the most direct route to your final destination to get better fuel efficiency in your N Charlotte Toyota. 

Tip #4: Don't idle if you can help it. Idling - sitting with your car running but not moving - uses up unnecessary fuel. This is especially true if you're running your air-conditioning or other electronics. Sometimes you can't help it (like if you're waiting at a stoplight, etc.) but if you're just hanging out in your car, roll the windows down and turn the engine off to conserve fuel. (This is why N Charlotte Toyota hybrids turn off when they idle - to conserve fuel and cut down on emissions.) 

Tip #5: Follow the speed limit. Not only will following the speed limit prevent you from getting a speeding ticket (or worse), it can also help you maximize your fuel efficiency. Your car actually gets the best fuel economy at around 50 mph, so keep that in mind next time you hit the road. It's in your best interest to drive at the speed limit or even a few miles below it. 

Toyota of N Charlotte wants to help you budget better

Have questions or want more tips? We can help! Call us today at (704) 875-9199 or stop by. Toyota of N Charlotte is located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.