Prices on gas-station signs aren’t looking very attractive these days. And, by summer, they’re likely to reach $5 per gallon, a spokesman for Napa Auto Care said.
There are, however, gas-saving strategies worth noting that can help drivers make the most out their trips to local gas pumps, according to Mathew Ireland, customer relations representative for Napa AutoCare.
To keep your budget intact and cut back on gas-guzzling habits, try these tips:
“First things first, we live in the Valley of the Sun,” Ireland said. “It’s very important that you buy gas early in the morning or late at night, especially during the summer.”
Gasoline, he said, will expand with heat, limiting the amount you actually get during hot hours of the day. Some stations collect evaporated gas, but some still do not implement any method for this, he said.
The most preventive measure a resident can take to minimize gas costs, though, is to simply keep vehicles properly maintained, he said.
“You want to make sure the check-engine light is not on, and it’s tuned up at its proper intervals,” he said.
Keeping up on regular maintenance, like taking your car to get an oil change at least every three months, will not only increase the life of the car, but minimize its gas intake, Ireland said. When changing motor oil, he said to always make sure the service technician is using the proper type and weight.
“If the motor is not running right, then we’re shooting ourselves in the foot right away,” he said.
Regarding on-the-road strategies, it is best to avoid sudden stops and starts, and instead maintain constant speeds as much as possible, Ireland said.
“Obviously, if you can keep your vehicle at 40 mph in the city, that will give you the most in terms of miles per gallon,” Ireland said. “On freeways, try to keep it at 60 mph.”
Most automobile companies test their vehicles’ mpg ratio at 60 mph, he said, indicating this is the most effective speed to drive at on highways.
“For every mile per hour you go over 60, you’ll actually end up paying about 24 cents more,” he said.
This is when cruise control comes in handy – not only to help save on gas, but also to avoid any tickets by local law enforcement for not paying attention to the speedometer.
“Obviously, if you’re doing a lot of highway driving, cruise control is your best friend,” he said.
In addition, many residents are unaware of how much tire pressure affects gas mileage, Ireland said. Before your next trip through the city, be sure to check your tires’ pressure. If tires are under- or over-inflated, your vehicle’s gas intake will dramatically increase.
The common misconception on fuel efficiency: don’t drive with the air conditioning on full-blast, opting instead to roll down the windows.
“This is really not true,” he said. “It will not significantly affect your gas mileage, and it’s best just to use the air conditioning.”
If residents really want to save money on gas, while keeping the environment in mind, it might be a good idea to buy a more recent vehicle model, Ireland said.
“Getting rid of the 2005 SUV, or cars with V-8 engines, is really a good idea,” he said. “Go buy a hybrid, or carpool – save the planet one car at a time.”
Napa Auto Care is located on the east side of Priest Drive, between Elliot and Warner roads. Information: 480-893-6884.
