How to Improve Gas Mileage: 10 Tips to Increase Fuel Efficiency

If you’re doing a lot of driving around Davenport, fuel costs can add up quickly. Whether you are commuting on I-74 or navigating local streets, you might be trying to figure out how to improve gas mileage yourself to save money at the pump. Our Buick and GMC service department is here to help, so we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to increase fuel efficiency through smarter driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance.

5 Driving Habits That Save Gas

There are simple adjustments any Bettendorf driver can adopt immediately to improve gas mileage. By changing how you drive, you can lower your fuel consumption by up to 15-30% at highway speeds. Here are the most effective changes to make:

• Drive the Speed Limit: Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.
• Maintain a Consistent Speed: Using Cruise Control on the highway helps the engine maintain efficiency and avoids unnecessary revving.
• Accelerate Gradually: “Jackrabbit” starts and hard braking waste fuel. Imagine there is an egg under your gas pedal that you don’t want to break.
• Remove Unnecessary Cargo: Especially relevant for GMC Sierra owners, carrying extra weight makes the engine work harder. If you aren’t hauling, clear out the bed or trunk.
• Limit Idling: Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. If you are waiting for more than a minute, turn the engine off.

How to Increase Fuel Efficiency With Regular Maintenance

There are lots of reasons to keep up with your car’s service schedule, but did you know that postponing maintenance can reduce your MPG? A poorly tuned engine works harder, burning more gas on your Moline drives. Here are the top service checks to maximize your Buick or GMC fuel economy:

• Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Keeping them inflated to the proper PSI is one of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage.
• Change Air Filters: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, which can hurt performance and acceleration.
• Use the Right Oil: Using the wrong grade of motor oil can increase friction. Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil (e.g., dexos® for GM vehicles).
• Wheel Alignment: If your car is fighting against the road due to poor alignment, your fuel economy will suffer.
• Spark Plugs & Oxygen Sensors: Replacing fouled spark plugs or a faulty O2 sensor can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 40%.
• Brake Inspection: Ensure your brakes aren’t dragging, which creates resistance and wastes power.

Schedule a Fuel-Saving Service in Davenport

Let us help keep your car running at its most efficient. Schedule an appointment with Green Buick GMC in Davenport so we can get your vehicle up to date on its maintenance schedule. If you found this guide helpful, check out our other automotive service tips. We’re just down the road from Rock Island, so drop by or contact us today to start saving at the pump!