Maximize Your Fuel Economy: Expert Tips from Rowlett’s Best Auto Repair Shop
Hey folks, Justin Cole here — your trusted car guy and owner of Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, proudly serving the Rowlett, TX community. We see a lot of vehicles come through our shop, and one of the most common concerns we hear from drivers is: “How do I get the best fuel economy from my car?”
Great question. With rising fuel prices, it’s more important than ever to make every gallon count. Whether you’re driving a Kia Sportage or a pickup truck, there are smart, easy steps you can take to stretch your fuel mileage. Here at Accelerate Auto Repair, we’re more than just the best auto repair shop in Rowlett — we’re here to help you drive smarter and save money.
Here are the top expert tips to improve your fuel economy:
1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
One of the most overlooked factors in fuel efficiency is tire pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
- Check your PSI (pounds per square inch) regularly.
- Find the correct PSI on your tire sidewall or the sticker located on the driver-side door frame or inside the fuel door.
- Low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%.
At Accelerate Auto Repair, we always inspect tire pressure during routine service appointments.
2. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule
Your vehicle’s manufacturer maintenance schedule is key to keeping your engine running efficiently.
For example, if you’re driving a Kia Sportage, you can find the service schedule on the manufacturer’s website or inside the owner’s manual. There’s also usually a supplemental guide in the glove box.
Important maintenance items include:
- Regular oil changes
- Air filter replacements
- Spark plug checks
- Fuel injector cleanings
A well-maintained engine operates more smoothly, burns fuel more efficiently, and lasts longer.
3. Drive Smarter, Not Harder
How you drive has a huge impact on your fuel economy.
- Ease into the gas and ease off it gradually.
- Brake smoothly instead of hard stopping.
- Coast when it’s safe instead of accelerating into a stop.
- Avoid aggressive driving and rapid acceleration.
A calm, steady driving style can improve fuel economy by up to 30% on the highway and 5% in the city.
4. Lighten the Load
Carrying around extra weight puts more strain on your engine. Don’t treat your trunk like a storage unit!
- Remove golf clubs, toolboxes, luggage, or sports equipment unless you need them.
- For every 100 pounds removed from your vehicle, you can improve fuel economy by about 1%.
5. Use the Right Oil
This one’s simple, but we see it all the time in our shop — customers using the wrong oil viscosity for their engine.
- Using oil that’s too thick or too thin can reduce fuel economy.
- Heavier oil creates more resistance, which means your engine has to work harder.
- Always follow your manufacturer’s oil specs.
At Accelerate Auto Repair, we only use OEM-recommended oil to protect your engine and maximize efficiency.
6. Limit Unnecessary Idling
We get it — it’s tempting to leave the car running while checking your phone or waiting in the driveway. But idling wastes fuel.
- Turn off your engine if you’re going to be parked for more than a minute or two.
- Today’s engines use less fuel restarting than they do idling for long periods.
Every drop of fuel counts, especially in today’s economy.
7. Plan Your Trips Wisely
Avoiding traffic and unnecessary trips is one of the easiest ways to cut fuel consumption.
- Bundle your errands to avoid multiple short trips.
- Try to drive during off-peak times.
- Use apps or GPS systems that offer fuel-efficient routes.
Smart route planning means less time idling and more time moving efficiently.
8. Make Sure Your Car is Tuned Up
A well-tuned engine will always use less fuel than a neglected one. When you bring your vehicle in for a service at Accelerate Auto Repair, we don’t just change your oil — we check:
- Air filters
- Fuel filters
- Spark plugs
- Fuel injectors
Even though spark plugs and injectors aren’t always visible or easily accessible, they’re essential for combustion and should be inspected regularly.
We do all of this and more during your regular service appointment to help you stay ahead of costly repairs and fuel waste.
Why Trust Accelerate Auto Repair in Rowlett, TX?
When it comes to auto repair, Rowlett drivers trust Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision for a reason:
- Certified, experienced technicians
- Honest recommendations
- State-of-the-art diagnostics
- Fair pricing with transparent estimates
Whether you’re coming in for a routine oil change or complex engine diagnostics, we treat every vehicle like it’s our own.
Ready to Improve Your Fuel Economy?
Fuel costs aren’t going down anytime soon, but with a few simple steps, you can improve your vehicle’s efficiency and stretch your gas budget.
📍 Visit us at: Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision in Rowlett, TX
🌐 Schedule online: accelerateautorepair.com
📞 Call us at: (469) 501-5115
Let us help you drive smarter, save fuel, and keep your vehicle in top shape. Book your appointment today and see why we’re Rowlett’s #1 choice for auto repair and maintenance!
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