How to Save Money at the Pump
With gas prices over $2 per litre and showing no signs of going down, let’s get back to basics. Right about now I think we could all use ways to save a little at the pump and increase mileage on our cars.
When biking or walking just isn’t an option, your Kia already has features that will help you gain fuel economy and lose needless fuel wastage. While not one thing will make much of a difference alone, together these suggestions can really add up.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The easiest way to improve fuel economy is to ensure your tires are filled to the manufacturer recommended tire pressure. You’ll find the optimum pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
Having underinflated tires can decrease your gas mileage by about 5 to 10 percent due to increased friction on the road.
Idle Stop/Start Technology
Many vehicles are equipped with idle stop/start technology designed to briefly shut off the engine at red lights or while waiting in a drive-thru. The engine restarts when you lift your foot off the brake. For a lot of drivers, however, this technology is difficult to get used to, and they turn it off. I
Idle Stop/Start Technology can reduce fuel consumption as much as 5 percent. So our best advice is to let the technology do it’s work: stop turning it off, and enjoy the silence the next time you’re waiting in your car for the light to turn red.
Drive Mode Selector
Driving mode selectors have also become increasingly common and simply require you to press a button or turn a knob. Most vehicles with this tech have some offering that includes some form of Sport, Normal, Eco, Comfort, Smart, Custom, or Snow. Sport mode gives your vehicle performance a little boost, and Eco mode tames the throttle and shifts the transmission to more efficient gears. To save at the pump, we recommend Eco all the way.
Cruise Control
On the highway? Your cruise control can help smooth things out. Indeed, Kia advises buyers that “Cruise control can help you become more fuel-efficient and can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas.” The latest radar-guided “active” cruise control systems operate in traffic, helping maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while also reducing fuel consumption.
The Checkered Flag
And while we’re on the topic, smoother stops and starts, in general, can yield big savings in fuel consumption. The first one off the line at a green light doesn’t always win.
Clear Out Unnecessary Weight
Another simple step toward better mileage means removing unnecessary weight from your car. The more your carry, the harder your car works. While this is painfully obvious when towing a tracker or trailer, small weight makes a difference too, just one you might not easily notice.
Roof Racks
This one’s for you , Brad. Remember that Thule you’ve had installed since your final camping trip in September but just never got around to taking down? Removing a roof rack or bicycle rack if you’re not using them can go a long way to improving fuel economy. We recommend removing all attachments when you’re not using them.
Time to Upgrade?
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or full battery electric (EV), you might want to start your research now. With wait-times as much as 1+ years for an EV, many buyers are flooding the market with factory orders now that fuel prices have reached this all-time high.
Check out our Model Research Page or our Electric Vehicle Information Library. You can also reserve your new Kia here.