With San Rafael gas rates averaging over $5.50 per gallon, you want to get the most out of your tank. Use the easy tips below to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Regular maintenance is one of the most effective strategies to increase gas mileage. When you need auto maintenance to get more miles out of your tank in San Rafael, CA, don’t delay a visit to Auto Repair Specialist.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

If you accelerate quickly and brake frequently, your fuel economy will suffer. Driving in this manner consumes more gasoline and puts strain on the engine. Limit your car's highway speed to no more than 55 mph for better gas mileage. Switching to cruise control can potentially save you 7 to 14 percent on gas.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

Low tire pressure forces the engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy. Properly inflated tires can increase fuel economy by 0.6 to 3 percent. Check your owner's handbook to determine the recommended PSI level for your tires.

Avoid Idling

Turn off the engine if you need to keep it running for more than three minutes to save fuel. Modern vehicles do not require a warm-up period before acceleration. Even better, some current models include stop-start technology, which turns off the engine when the car comes to a stop and restarts it when the gas pedal is depressed. Driving through less congested areas might reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

Auto Maintenance in San Rafael

To maximize the performance and reliability of your car or truck, it is important to keep up with preventative maintenance services. Auto Repair Specialist is a dealer alternative for auto maintenance in San Rafael, meaning we can complete any factory services required by your car or truck, even those necessary to keep its new car warranty valid. The next time your car is due for service, skip the expensive dealership and come see for fast and fair-priced car care. Call us at (415) 612-3933 to schedule an appointment.