If you’re trying to be kind to the environment and save a few bucks on gas, fuel-efficient cars are the way to go. However, your driving habits can affect how quickly your vehicle goes through fuel. There are a few old wives’ tales to debunk, too. Here’s a look at how you can get a more fuel-efficient ride in Las Vegas.
Fake News: Manual Transmissions Are More Efficient
Automatic transmission technology has come a long way in the last few decades. Where stick- shift vehicles may have been the clear frontrunners when it came to fuel-efficient cars, today’s winners are the carefully calibrated automatics. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the most efficient vehicles are the new automatic manual transmissions that can reduce fuel use by about 7 percent.
Pro Tip: Accelerate Slowly
Hammering on the gas pedal as soon as the light turns green will burn more fuel than letting your vehicle accelerate gently. That’s because you’ll spend more time in lower gears with a higher RPM – meaning more fuel is required. For electric cars, a slower acceleration means less friction and better efficiency. The only exception may be for manual transmissions, providing you shift up quickly to get out of lower gears as soon as possible.
Fake News: Starting a Vehicle Uses More Fuel
A common misconception is that turning off and firing up your engine when you’re stopped for a few minutes uses more fuel than letting the engine idle. The truth is that whenever your engine is running and the car isn’t moving, you’re wasting gas. In fact, the most fuel-efficient modern hybrids use stop-start technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle isn’t moving, and only restarts the engine once the gas pedal is pushed.
Pro Tip: Gentle Driving Saves Fuel
Coasting, or letting your vehicle cruise on built up momentum rather than punching the gas, is the most fuel-efficient way to drive. If you maximize coasting, you’ll be ahead of the game. Do this by anticipating what’s coming and acting accordingly.
For example, if you’re approaching a red light, lift off the gas and allow yourself to coast to a stop rather than hurrying to the finish line and braking. You’ll use less fuel as you coast to a stop, and if the light changes before you’ve reached a complete halt, you’ll use considerably less fuel to get up to speed again.
The same can be said for driving in traffic. Fuel-efficient cars cannot maximize performance with constant stops and starts. Try to leave more distance between the car in front of you to keep some forward motion rather than braking hard and accelerating again.
Getting the Most from Fuel-Efficient Cars
Whether you’re trying to extend the life of your old vehicle or you’re ready to upgrade to a fuel-efficient car in Las Vegas, use these tips to get the best experience for the environment – and your wallet. Contact Valley Automall at 702-570-2257 and let us help you discover the perfect vehicle for you.