Whether or not a stimulus check or gas tax breaks are on the horizon, prices continue to remain high, and habits that save on gas are more important to learn than ever. Many jobs like trucking rely on the roads to run their commerce, and many others rely on roads to commute, needing gas no matter how expensive. Improving driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and considering other energy forms are great ways to maximize the MPG on any vehicle.

Better Driving Habits to Save on Gas

Many habits practiced while on the road and before take-off are great for maximizing miles per gallon. Believe it or not, road rage is a gas guzzler and can lower gas mileage by 33 percent while driving on a highway. Aggressive acceleration and abrupt breaking eat gas, especially when driving a truck with a full load, so remain calm and maintain a steady speed. Speeding generally lowers a vehicle’s MPG, and reducing rates by 5-10 mph when traveling at 50mph or higher can help lower gas consumption. Cruise control is an excellent feature on vehicles designed to maintain a set speed without accelerating, increasing fuel efficiency. Learning about the potential gas consumption and calculating the fuel costs of a particular vehicle before purchasing can help prepare for future gas financial responsibilities. The pressures of rising gas prices are affecting truckers and commuters, and better driving habits are an easy way to improve fuel efficiency and lower gas consumption.

Improve Driving and Save on Gas with Vehicle Maintenance

Proper vehicle maintenance is good for longevity and fuel efficiency. It may come as a surprise, but it’s all about the tires. Keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure is essential, and improper tire pressure can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every slight pressure drop. Rotating tires often and replacing them when the tread wears off can also improve fuel efficiency. Keeping engines clean and maintained is vital for any vehicle at any time, but ensuring an engine is running properly is of utmost importance in times of high gas prices. Replacing air filters doesn’t have as much effect on mpg on newer cars, but for older ones, especially those made in the 80s and before, a clean air filter will improve fuel efficiency. Using good quality motor oil can also improve fuel efficiency, so investing in the good stuff will pay off in the long run. Many car manufacturers are changing designs, and the future of the semi-truck is also favoring green.

Save on Gas with Electric Powered Driving

It’s no secret anymore that electric power is starting to take over. Almost every car manufacturer produces electric-powered and hybrid options, and semi-trucks are not far behind. Testing on electric trucks for the long-haul has started, addressing concerns such as run time and charge time, with only a matter of time before more electric semis fill the roads. Electric vehicles have advantages and disadvantages, which may seem obsolete when looking at gas prices today. An electric vehicle can sometimes cost up to $10,000 more than a gas version, but what it saves at the pump pays for the car in a few years. In addition to battery-electric, hydrogen power is also rising, making for an even greener driving experience. 

Whatever it Takes to Save on Gas

Gas prices aren’t lowering any time soon so learning how to save on mpg in any way possible is essential. Understanding on-the-road habits while driving and maintaining a vehicle properly can help fuel efficiency. Switching to an electric-powered vehicle, whether a car or a semi-truck, may be the most fuel-efficient option, but they can lack efficiency elsewhere. Calculating fuel costs and differences between electric and gas will help determine the best choice.