Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage in Missouri

For all gas-powered cars, the most basic yet most impactful maintenance service you can perform is a simple oil change. You should get your car’s oil changed roughly every six months, or every 7,500 miles. Inside your car’s engine, there are many moving parts that require a thin coating of lubricant in order to run smoothly. When your car has fresh oil, it reduces friction, which allows your engine’s parts to glide easily against one another. However, over time, the oil will accumulate dirt and debris, and start to break down. This degraded oil eventually turns to sludge, and can no longer lubricate the engine properly. At this point, friction can start to build up, which will force your engine to work harder than it needs to in order to operate. A regular oil change will keep your engine as efficient as possible!

Alongside your regular oil changes, you should also be sure to stay up-to-date on your tire rotations for peak fuel efficiency. Your tires have a big impact on the overall efficiency and gas mileage of your car due to factors such as traction, and rolling resistance. Traction refers to how well your tires can grip the road in order to roll easily across the pavement without slipping. If your tires lack traction, they’ll be fighting for grip, which will result in poor fuel efficiency. Rolling resistance refers to how hard your car has to work in order to turn the axle. Having more traction will make it easier for the axle to turn, resulting in less rolling resistance, and better fuel efficiency! Getting a regular tire rotation will help you preserve the treads on your tires, and maintain your traction and fuel efficiency.

Aside from keeping up with your routine maintenance, there are also a few simple driving habits that you can adopt in order to become a more efficient driver. For example, where and how you drive can have an impact on your fuel efficiency. If you’re driving for a long distance, try to use back roads or highways that have long stretches of straight pavement, rather than going through a crowded downtown area. Constant stopping and starting can result in lower gas mileage. However, if you stick to the highways, be sure to keep an eye on your speed. Traveling above 60 miles per hour can cause a buildup of wind resistance that has a negative impact on your fuel efficiency.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, and you’re also interested in reducing your gas mileage, then consider making the switch to an electric vehicle! EVs and plug-in hybrids can help you significantly reduce your gas consumption, resulting in more efficient driving without even having to think about it! An EV uses no gas at all, while a PHEV uses much less gas than a classic gas-powered vehicle. There are some great options out there on the market today, with more and more models being added each year. For example, Jeep offers the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, which have all the great power and athleticism you expect from the heritage brand! Or, check out the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which has three rows of seats, and a robust safety package, perfect for families.

Now that we’ve had the chance to explain all of the best ways to improve your gas mileage, it’s time for us to fill you in on how to make your service appointment here at Don Vance CDJR! You can make an appointment with our service center right here on our website, or by giving us a call at our dealership in Marshwood, Missouri! We offer all kinds of services, including oil changes, tire rotations, parts installation, and more! We also have a huge selection of new vehicles, including some great EV and PHEV options. Get in touch with us today at Don Vance CDJR!