How can I improve my gas mileage? | Metairie, LA

Even before gas prices increased, most drivers wanted to get the best performance out of their vehicle, and Lakeside Toyota is happy to help with some tips!

• Slow down. Every vehicle has an optimal speed for its best efficiency, and that speed is definitely lower than the highway’s speed limit. You can save money on gas AND traffic tickets by sticking to the speed limit.
• Use your cruise control. Your cruise control is designed to maintain the most efficient way of staying at the given speed. You’d be surprised how much gas you save during an hour on the highway!
• Don’t store heavy items in your car. A car typically weighs about 2600 lbs, so an added 100 lbs of cargo is a 5% increase.
• Start and stop slower. Getting your car moving from a complete stop uses a lot of gasoline, and trying to be the first person through the intersection at a red light will cost you more than you’d think. Similarly, if you’re slamming on your brakes regularly to come to a stop, try to ease off the gas before the stop so you coast to a slower speed before engaging your brakes. This will also help you save on brake pads!
• Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Underinflated tires “stick” to the ground, causing more friction, more tire breakdown, and lower mpg. Keep your tires to their recommended pressure and avoid the temptation to think that overinflation will make things better – while 1-2 extra PSI won’t make too much of a difference, significantly overinflating tires reduces their contact with the ground which will decrease your ability to control the car, particularly in wet weather. It will also wear out the center of your tires faster.
• Fill up your gas tank at night or early morning. Gas pumps measure by volume, and colder weather makes gasoline reduce its volume. In addition to that, colder fuel burns more efficiently!

If you think your vehicle should be getting better fuel efficiency, our experienced service professionals will be happy to assist! We’re at 3701 North Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002, or you can call us at (504) 833-3311 to set up an appointment. We’re open Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Saturday 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM by appointment only. You can also check our inventory online from the convenience of your home anytime. Lakeside Toyota is proud to serve our neighbors in the Metairie, New Orleans, and Kenner areas.