INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Alexander, North Dakota | (701) 770-2275

OUR BLOG

6/8/2017
Whether you're taking a summer road trip or are simply interested in saving at the pump this summer, this post can teach you new ways to conserve fuel.

Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your Fuel This Summer

If you're going on a summer road trip or simply want some help conserving fuel this summer, use these simple tips.

Know When to Use the A/C

The summer heat can get quite unbearable, especially when you're out on the road. Despite this, it's not always a great idea to turn on the air conditioning to fight the heat. If you're driving around in city traffic or on roads where your speed is kept quite low, you're better off rolling down your windows. However, if you're traveling at high speeds, definitely use your air conditioning. You shouldn't roll down your windows when driving at faster speeds because this can increase aerodynamic drag, causing your engine to work harder. Although your air conditioning does use fuel, using it while driving down a highway can help you save gas more than rolling down the windows.

Use the Cruise Control

Most of us never think to use the cruise control in our vehicle, but it can actually be a great way to conserve fuel. If you're on a road trip or are simply taking a long drive, using your cruise control will help you move at a steady speed. Maintaining a constant speed can be better for your engine and can help reduce fuel consumption caused by speeding up and braking constantly. If the area you're driving through has a lot of hills, avoid using the cruise control until you get to a flatter portion of the road.

Take Care of Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle will not only run better for longer, it can also help you conserve fuel. If you're feeling lazy about taking care of your vehicle maintenance this summer, remember that vehicles that aren't properly maintained can actually consume up to 50% more fuel than those that are well taken care of. For better fuel efficiency, start by replacing your air filter. A dirty air filter may not sound like a huge deal, but it can actually add a lot of strain to your engine. This added strain also means increased fuel consumption because of the extra work your engine has to put in. Another great way to ensure you're not wasting fuel is by giving your vehicle a synthetic oil change regularly. Synthetic oils are great in the summer because they hold onto their viscosity better and are less prone to evaporate. They also keep your engine cleaner and cooler when compared to conventional oils. Check out AMSOIL's full range of synthetic oils here. If you're not sure what oil will be best for your engine, contact the pros at Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. They can recommend oils, such as their Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, made specifically for gas engines. Find even more quality AMSOIL products in their online shopFor more information or to place an order, give them a call at (701) 572- 3780.

Check the Gas Cap

Your gas cap may seem like a tiny and insignificant part of your vehicle, but the truth is that it can make a huge difference in your fuel consumption. After pumping fuel into your vehicle, be sure to close and tighten the gas cap properly. Doing so will help reduce the occurrence of fuel evaporation. Vehicles with a broken, ill-fitting, or missing gas cap may be allowing their fuel to evaporate. While this may seem like a tiny issue, it can certainly add up over time.

Plan Your Errands

To reduce your fuel consumption, try reducing the number of trips you make while running necessary errands. Instead of taking various small trips to different locations, save your errands for one day. Plan a route that will reduce the number of miles you drive.

Avoid Idling

Many of us learned that idling the engine before heading out on the road is necessary in order to protect internal components. Whatever the reasons were that encouraged us to continue this practice, they no longer apply to most newer model cars. In reality, idling can cause you to waste fuel while also contributing to pollution. To avoid doing this, turn off your engine if it will be sitting idle for 30 seconds or longer unless you're in traffic. Contrary to popular belief, turning your engine off and then back on will consume less fuel than if you allow it idle for longer than 30 seconds.

Use Your Car Less

While the summer months can be quite hot, the weather is nice enough to enjoy. Take advantage of this time of the year and try to use your car less often. If you're heading somewhere close by and don't have any time constraints, why not walk? Not only is this good for your health, it can also help reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Not to mention, you may even find yourself in a better mood after not being stuck in traffic.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Williston

Make the most of your summer fuel by treating your car to a synthetic oil change in Williston. For help finding the perfect products for your vehicle, contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572- 3780. Their experts can help you find the perfect products for all of your needs, including oils like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. You can also stop by their online shop for a full selection of their AMSOIL Oil products.