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Mar 15, 2024
A Kia driving near Hayward, CA

Maintaining your Kia and adopting the right driving habits will boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save you money at the gas pump. To cut down on your vehicle’s fuel costs and emissions, follow the tips below from your Kia dealer.

Get Rid of Extra Weight

Did you know that extra weight can affect your gas mileage? It’s best not to leave unnecessary items lying around in the car. When you get home, take out everything you don’t need. The rule also applies to exterior add-ons such as cargo boxes, roof racks, and bike racks.

Plan Your Route 

Plan your daily commute carefully, if possible, to avoid the busiest times of day when the traffic is at its peak. Stop-and-go traffic can be strenuous on your engine and lead to increased fuel consumption.

Minimize Idling 

Don’t allow your engine to idle unnecessarily. Idling can burn more gas than restarting the engine. Considering how often and for how long we sit and wait in an idling car, this can add up to a lot of wasted gas. It’s best to turn off your engine if you’re waiting longer than three minutes and turn it back on when it’s time to drive off.

Take It Slow

If you want to save cash on gas, the days of putting the pedal to the metal are over. Take it slow and easy behind the wheel. Reduce your speed and avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. 

Cruise in Top Gear

To reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption, use cruise control if you’re driving an automatic car. If you sit behind the wheel of a manual, use a higher gear. 

Keep Your Windows Closed

It’s best to keep your windows closed while driving to increase your car’s fuel economy. Open windows create more wind resistance, making your engine work overtime and increasing fuel consumption.

Check Your Wheel Alignment

Ensure that your car’s tires are properly aligned to prevent resistance between the tires and the road surface, which will strain the engine. Always get your wheels aligned once or twice yearly or when you hit a pothole or a curb that can knock the wheels out of alignment. 

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Tire pressure also affects your car’s fuel consumption. If your tires are not inflated to the recommended pressure levels, your vehicle will consume more fuel. 

Take Care of Your Car

Regular maintenance will ensure that your Kia burns less gas. When you take your car for routine maintenance, the Kia technicians replace the oil, change the filters, and check the spark plugs. This helps your vehicle run optimally, lowering your gas mileage. Stop at Hayward Kia in Hayward, CA, today for expert maintenance services to improve your gas mileage and your Kia’s performance.