10 Fuel-Saving Tips for Dodge, Jeep, & RAM Drivers

With gas prices spiking, more drivers are searching for ways to save a little fuel. Check out these tips for fuel-efficient driving habits that will keep you away from the gas pump longer.

1. Avoid Putting the Pedal to the Metal

Driving with a lead foot wastes gas. The harder a driver accelerates, the more quickly they will burn fuel. Try pressing the accelerator pedal more gently to increase your driving efficiency.

2. Keep it Steady

Driving at a more steady rate ends up being more fuel-efficient for your vehicle. This is why mileage differs between highway and city driving. The more you stop and start, the more fuel you are burning. Consider picking a route that avoids heavy city traffic and keep it steady on your drives to save fuel.

3. Maintain Proper Following Distances

Keep the vehicle’s momentum by planning maneuvers ahead of time and keeping a good following distance from other vehicles. You may want to turn on dynamic cruise control if it is available on your current vehicle.

4. Don’t Slam on the Brakes

Just like the stop-and-go of city traffic hinders mileage, so do abrupt stops. It is typically better to coast toward a stop sign or red light instead of slamming on the brakes at the last moment.

5. Avoid Idling

Idling, or running the car while it sits in place, can waste a good amount of gas. This is especially true if the HVAC system is on while you idle. Remember to turn the vehicle off if you plan to wait a while and the interior climate is comfortable.

6. Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is often overlooked when people think about fuel efficiency. For every underinflated pound per tire for four tires on a vehicle, drivers lose 0.3% in fuel economy. Maintain the correct tire pressure for your vehicle by checking it yourself often or taking it to a dealership for regular maintenance and inspection.

7. Keep Up with Oil Changes

Routine maintenance tasks like oil changes increase the efficiency of your Dodge, Jeep, or RAM. Schedule regular oil changes and maintenance at a trusted Jeep, Dodge, and RAM dealership in Sarasota or Tampa to stay on top of things.

8. Reduce Cargo

Driving around with random cargo will weigh down your vehicle and increase the amount of gasoline you will burn to get to your destination. For every trip you take, think about removing heavy gym bags, backpacks, sports/adventure gear, and any other cargo you will not need.

9. Avoid Short Trips & Combine Trips When Possible

Too many short trips can waste a lot of gas. If you have a lot of errands to run, try to combine them and get everything done at once as opposed to making several trips into the same part of town.

10. Reduce Heater Use in Winter

While some heating is necessary during New York winters, fully blasting the heat will burn more fuel. Try to maintain a moderate climate in your vehicle and take advantage of seat warmers and heated steering wheels to stay comfortable.

Visit your local RAM, Jeep, and Dodge dealer in Tampa, Florida to schedule routine maintenance or start your search for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.