How to Be Fuel-Efficient During Your Commute
Even the most eco-conscious drivers can benefit from picking up new tips for how to be fuel-efficient when driving in Cary and Raleigh! For starters, securing the keys to a new Buick or GMC can make driving efficiently feel effortless, especially if you opt for a model with a General Motors Ecotec engine. Still, it never hurts to practice fuel-efficient driving habits to make the most of the competitive mpg ratings your vehicle is capable of. In the guide below, Hendrick Buick GMC Cary shares our top five fuel-efficient driving habits, including how you can save fuel while driving on hills.
Top 6 Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
If you’d like to spend less time and money at the pump in Charlotte, keep these helpful tips for how to be fuel-efficient at the forefront of your mind:
- Pick Up Speed Steadily: When you accelerate, use a soft touch on the gas pedal. The harder you press down, the more fuel your car is consuming. You can pick up speed at a steady pace and remain fuel-efficient in the process by allowing about five seconds to get from 0 – 10 mph.
- Know the Traffic Conditions: Once you’re familiar with the typical traffic conditions on your daily commute, you can work around them by leaving at least 15 minutes early each day. You can avoid rush hour and stop-and-go traffic, which is a major drain on your fuel. Not to mention, stop-and-go traffic also stresses your drivetrain; yet another reason to leave a little early! If you’re traveling to a new destination for the first time, check the traffic report at least an hour before you need to leave and plan accordingly.
- Avoid Speeding: Your car consumes fuel more rapidly when you’re driving at high speeds. If you’re on the highway, you can earn the best fuel economy by maintaining a speed between 55 mph and 65 mph. Of course, you should never exceed the posted speed limit.
- Don’t Overuse the Brakes: Instead of tapping the brakes repeatedly – or worse, slamming on them at the last second – keep an eye on the traffic ahead of you and release your foot from the gas pedal to start coasting to a stop at the appropriate time. This is a good fuel-efficient driving habit, and will also help your brakes last longer.
- Reduce Speed Going Uphill: How can you save fuel while driving on hills? Reduce your speed as you’re traveling uphill. When you’re going downhill, allow the momentum to do most of the work and you can coast right down, rather than pressing the gas pedal.
- Be Mindful of AC Usage: A car’s fuel consumption rises by up to 20% when the air conditioning is in use, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If you must use the AC, using the recirculate function can help you use less gas.
Upgrade Your Vehicle in Cary Today!
Tired of driving your old gas guzzler in Charlotte? Stop by Hendrick Buick GMC Cary today to check out our new and pre-owned Buick and GMC inventories! We can help you upgrade to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and we’ll make a competitive offer on your trade-in. Contact us to start a conversation today!