The national average price for gas has climbed above $4 a gallon, and with relief at the pump looking uncertain, drivers are feeling the squeeze and looking for ways to stretch every gallon further.
The good news? A few simple habits and staying on top of your car's maintenance can make a real difference.
Start with how you drive
Small changes behind the wheel go a long way. Here's where to start:
- Smooth it out. Hard acceleration and sudden braking drag down your fuel economy more than most drivers realize. Steady, even driving is more efficient. On the highway, cruise control helps you hold a consistent speed without constant adjusting.
- Watch your speed. Fuel efficiency tends to drop once you're pushing past 50–60 mph.
- Don't let it idle. If you're parked for more than a minute, shut the engine off. Idling can burn through a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour—without getting you anywhere.
- Lighten the load. Clear out unnecessary weight from the car, and if there’s a roof rack or cargo carrier you're not using, take it off. Extra drag means your engine works harder than it needs to.
Don't skip the maintenance
With gas prices already squeezing budgets, the last thing drivers need are unexpected repair bills too. Putting off routine service might feel like a short-term save, but a poorly maintained vehicle burns more fuel, and small issues left unchecked have a way of turning into much bigger, costlier ones down the road. With shops open seven days per week and almost 800 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys makes it easy to get the key services that keep your vehicle running at its best:
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Tire pressure and alignment: Two of the biggest factors in fuel efficiency. Under-inflated or misaligned tires create unnecessary resistance that quietly eats into your mileage.
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Oil changes: Regular intervals with the right oil keep the engine running cleanly and efficiently.
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Fuel system cleanings:
These can improve engine performance and fuel mileage by addressing carbon build-up and dirty fuel injectors.
Pep Boys offers all of these services, and the PepCheck™ vehicle inspection (available free with any service) is a quick way to catch issues that could be quietly hurting your fuel economy.
The bottom line: you can't control what happens at the pump, but you can control how far your tank takes you. A few adjustments behind the wheel and a proactive approach to maintenance go a long way.
To schedule an appointment at your local Pep Boys, go to PepBoys.com/Appointment.
