5 Habits That Will Maximize Your Gas Mileage

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Spending too much time at the gas station can really take a toll on your bank account. Whether you're driving a sedan, crossover, SUV, or truck, nobody wants to spend extra money on gas, especially during road trip season. Save some extra money this summer by learning 5 habits that will maximize your gas mileage! With these helpful tips, you can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 10%, extending your time on the road and minimizing your time at the gas pump.

1. Use Cruise Control Frequently

Using cruise control on a regular basis is one of the best ways to maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Cruise control maintains a constant speed on your vehicle, which improves your mileage by preventing your engine from exerting too much pressure with shifting speeds. Many vehicles on the Ford Lineup carry Adaptive Cruise Control technology, which automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to match the vehicle in front of you so you don't have to constantly change your speed to accommodate other drivers.

2. Drive the Speed Limit

We know, we know - driving fast is very fun, but it's also dangerous to you and your fuel economy. Besides the danger speeding can present to drivers, going too fast can exert extra pressure on your engine, causing it to drain fuel at a faster pace. In some instances, driving over 80 mph on the highway can put additional strain on your vehicle, reducing fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Driving at the speed limit is the best way to ensure you make the most of your gas tank, and while it may take a few extra minutes to get to your destination, you'll be thankful when you see how much it saves you!

3. Keep Your Vehicle Clean

If it's been a while since you cleaned out your vehicle, doing so will reduce the amount of weight put on your vehicle and allow it to achieve higher speeds at quicker rates. You won't have to push so hard on your gas pedal and your vehicle will be able to coast along without all the extra weight. Maintaining a clean vehicle will help you maximize your fuel economy! Refer to our summer car care tips for advice on keeping your vehicle clean!

4. Tighten or Replace Your Gas Cap

Did you know that over 149 millions of gas were lost last year due to fuel evaporation? On hot summer days, fuel can quickly convert from a liquid to a gas, and the gas can evaporate into the atmosphere if your gas cap isn't on tight enough. Make sure your gas cap "clicks" when you screw it back on. If it doesn't click, or doesn't screw on all the way, you may want to get it replaced. Getting your gas cap replaced is fairly inexpensive and can pay for itself if fuel evaporation is the issue. Parking in the shade can also further reduce fuel evaporation, so consider that as an option, too!

5. Try Coasting

"Coasting" is an extremely useful tool some drivers use to maximize the efficiency of their brakes and fuel economy. If you're coming up to a light that's about to turn red or is red, remove your foot from the brakes and allow your vehicle to slow down naturally (paying attention to the road conditions and other drivers, of course!). This will put less pressure on the engine and brakes, since you won't have to constantly speed up, slow down, and apply pressure on your brakes. Coasting can be used going downhill, slowing down to exit the freeway, and more, as long as you remain safe on the road!

There are plenty of ways to minimize your time at the gas station, but keeping up on these 5 habits that will maximize your gas mileage will help you to save extra money at the pump that you can use for road trips, vacations, and more family fun! If you need your gas cap replaced or believe there's something else causing your fuel to drain at a fast rate, be sure to schedule an appointment with us to get your vehicle looked at immediately. Going on a road trip soon? Make sure you know what to do if your vehicle breaks down to prepare yourself for any situation, and be sure to contact us for help if you run into trouble!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: http://www.northbrosford.net

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How to Maintain Fuel Efficiency During the Winter

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Your vehicle's fuel efficiency could decrease by 50% this winter, which means you'll end up shivering beside the gas pump more often than you'd like. Fortunately, you can maintain a higher level of fuel efficiency throughout the colder months by following our tips on how to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter. But first, it's worth looking at the reasons for why your vehicle's fuel efficiency decreases during the winter.

Why does fuel efficiency decrease during the winter?

A lower level of fuel efficiency during the winter can result from a litany of negative effects cold weather has on your vehicle. Take a look at the reasons FuelEconomy.gov provides:

• Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids.
• It takes longer for your engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since your car spends more of your trip at less-than-optimal temperatures.
• Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power.
• Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
• Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
• Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
• Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
• Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for your alternator to keep your battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids.

In severe winter weather, your mpg can drop even further.

• Icy or snow-covered roads decrease your tires' grip on the road, wasting energy.
• Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph.
• Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.

How to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter.

Taking into account the many reasons for why fuel efficiency decreases in the winter, you can counteract the negative effects of cold weather on your vehicle's fuel economy by following these tips on how to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter.

1. Limit the amount of cargo stored in your vehicle. Extra weight can add stress to your vehicle and cause it to work harder, decreasing its fuel efficiency. Removing snow and ice from the outside of the car before driving also shaves off a surprising amount of unnecessary weight. 
2. Park your vehicle in a garage during the winter. Parking your vehicle in a garage keeps its interior at a warmer temperature so your vehicle requires less fuel and time to warm up on cold mornings. It only takes 30 seconds for your vehicle's engine to warm up, but if it's parked outside it can take several minutes for your interior to reach a comfortable temperature, which wastes fuel and time.
3. Fill up your car early in the morning. When the outdoor temperature is colder, the density of gasoline or diesel is greater and takes up less space in your tank.
4. Give your vehicle regular routine maintenance. Routine maintenance throughout the winter is the best way to increase the life and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. During the colder months everything counts towards increasing your vehicle's fuel economy, from equipping your vehicle with a set of quality tires that provide the traction necessary for slick roads, to regular oil changes that help your vehicle perform at a high level on the coldest days.

As we head into winter and the temperatures plummet, North Brothers Ford can help you handle your vehicle needs to keep its fuel economy strong. From auto service to finding the perfect vehicle for the winter, we're happy to help you. 

North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com.

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