EV Maintenance

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

How to Get Better Gas Mileage in Ocala, FL

Imagine you just got your kids strapped into their carseats in your Volkswagen after the third bathroom break of the morning — you’ve finally hit the open road and everyone has settled down, but then the gas light flickers on. You’ll have to make another stop again. It’s not how you thought your road trip would go, and not only are gas station stops frustrating (especially if you’re running late or there isn’t one nearby), but fueling your car can be expensive. Here at Volkswagen of Ocala, we’d like to help you make the most out of every drop of gas. If you’re not ready to upgrade your ride to the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 , here are our tips on how to conserve your fuel and increase your gas mileage!

Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

1. Avoid Rush Hour

It may not always be possible, but we recommend avoiding rush hour to increase your model’s fuel efficiency. Your schedule after work may not have much flexibility, but most of our customers have found that grouping their errands together once they clock out saves them from the dreaded stop-and-go traffic. For example, you can avoid the highway if you decide to get groceries after work instead of heading home immediately. The worst of the traffic should disappear by the time you’re finished. Another way to avoid rush hour is to plan out your road trips in advance, taking into account when you’ll be driving through cities in the early morning, during lunch or past 5 p.m.

2. Remove Excess Weight

Did you know that for every 100 pounds of extra weight added to your car, you’re spending an additional four cents per gallon at the pump?1 Additional weight increases drag, which decreases fuel economy. We recommend removing bulky items, such as luggage, bike racks, furniture and more to maximize your car’s fuel efficiency. Plus, you should see a noticeable difference in your model’s handling and performance!

3. Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control

Driving fast is definitely fun, but when your car travels at a speed higher than 50 miles per hour, your fuel efficiency can be reduced.1 If you’re on the highway and you have to drive faster than 50 mph, using cruise control can maintain a constant pace and prevent you from speeding.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle For Long

Instead of letting your car idle as you run inside to grab your food or coffee order, it’s good practice to turn off your car instead. You’ll conserve your fuel and reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment. Stuck in traffic? Don’t turn off your car (for obvious reasons) — instead, turn off the climate control system to reduce fuel consumption.

5. Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil

Whether it’s to increase your fuel efficiency or to keep your car running smoothly, using the correct type of motor oil is essential. If you’re unsure what type of motor oil your car uses, refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions. With the correct grade of oil, you can save up to two percent on fuel costs!2

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance

A car with fresh oil from an oil change and properly inflated tires will be more fuel efficient than it was before those services were performed. When you keep up with your car’s routine maintenance, not only will you increase its lifespan, you’ll see an increase in fuel efficiency, too. If your Volkswagen is ready for service, schedule an appointment with our team today!

If you need further advice about your vehicle or you’re interested in upgrading to a new fuel-efficient car or electrified vehicle, feel free to contact us or stop by Volkswagen of Ocala at 5135 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 . We look forward to serving our customers near The Villages and Orlando.

1For more information, visit Driving More Efficiently .

2For more information, visit Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape .