Before you spend you lifesavings on fuel this summer, learn how you can increase your fuel economy by simply changing some of your bad habits.

How to Increase Your Fuel Economy This Summer

If you're planning a summer road trip or are simply looking for ways to save money, chances are you can save on your fuel. You don't have to get a new car or figure out how to make your current car run off of water in order to save at the pump. In fact, some small changes to your driving habits and maintenance routine can make a serious difference. Check out the tips below and start incorporating them into your routine.

Tweak Your Driving Habits

It's hard for many people to admit that they may not be the best driver on the road. The truth is, we all have some bad driving habits whether we want to admit it or not. Understanding why these habits are bad and how they can negatively affect your fuel economy may help you make a more conscious effort to improve your driving style.

Reduce the Weight

If you're one of those people who lugs around a few changes of clothes, snacks, and a ton of other accessories in your car, you may be carrying too much. There's nothing wrong with being prepared, but all that extra weight can cause you to use up your fuel faster. Go though your car and decide what items you can store at home in order to reduce the weight you're hauling.

Avoid Idling Your Engine

For many, many years, it was recommended that you idle your engine before taking off on a cold start. This was meant to warm up your engine and engine oil so that it would work more efficiently. However, newer cars don't need to be idled to work efficiently. If you're still doing this every morning, you may be wasting a ton of fuel and contributing to pollution. Instead, drive away slowly in order to allow your engine to warm up gradually.

Know When to Use the Air Conditioning

With summer coming up, higher outdoor temperatures can mean constant air conditioning use. While there are some conditions under which you are better off using your air conditioning, there are also some moments when you're better off just rolling down the windows. The air conditioning uses a lot of fuel, so only use it when driving on the highway. If you're driving through city streets or stop and go traffic, you're better off rolling down your windows. Your driving habits may not be the only thing that needs to change for better fuel economy. Let's face it, most drivers aren't exactly great at keeping up with maintenance. Change those habits this summer by making the switch to a synthetic oil. A synthetic oil change in Hagerstown will help your engine stay healthy for longer while also increasing your fuel economy. To learn more, contact the oil experts at ALF Marketing. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 and they will be happy to recommend products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Keep Your Car in Top Shape

No one wants to spend their weekend changing their oil or inspecting their tires, but these things have to be taken care of in order to keep your car in great shape. The better shape your car is in, the less it will waste fuel. So, in order to save some money at the pump, invest some time into car maintenance.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Although it may seem like your tires have nothing to do with your fuel, they can affect how quickly your fuel disappears. Under-inflated tires will increase rolling resistance, leading to quicker fuel consumption. To avoid this, simply check on your tires' air pressure at least once a month. If your tires are low, stop by the gas station to fill them up to their proper pressure.

Check on the Battery

Did you know that corroded battery cables can lead to reduced fuel efficiency? When you think about it, it makes sense. You see, corroded cables can add strain to your battery by causing the alternator to have to work harder. To prevent wasting fuel because of your battery cables, clean them when they're looking less than great and keep an eye on them.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change

Finally, don't skip your oil changes! Clean oil and a clean oil filter can help reduce the strain on your engine, helping it work more efficiently. A synthetic oil will do the job much better than most conventional oils, making it the best choice for your engine. No matter how hot it gets outside or what conditions you're driving through, you can trust a synthetic oil to keep your engine in great shape. The better shape it's in, the more efficiently it will use your fuel.

It's Time for a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown

Now that you know what a difference a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown can make, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect oil for the job by contacting the experts at ALF Marketing. Reach them at (301) 416-0575 or stop by their online shop.