Signs Your Car May Be Wasting Gas and How to Fix It—Secrets From a Minnesota Mechanic!
Is your car guzzling gas? A Minnesota mechanic shares six easy fixes that could save you money at the pump! 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, MN – My hubby Jack and I love long road trips, but gas prices can really add up. Lucky for us, one of Jack’s best friends happens to be a former cop turned auto mechanic in Winona, Minnesota. Over the years, he’s shared tips with us that most mechanics keep under wraps. He says a lot of people don’t realize their cars are guzzling gas unnecessarily—and how simple it can be to fix.
Here are six signs your car might be wasting gas, along with solutions straight from a trusted Minnesota mechanic.
1. Low Tire Pressure
If your tires are underinflated, your car has to work harder to move. That means you’re burning more gas than necessary.
Fix It: Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level. Most cars have a sticker on the driver’s side door frame with the correct PSI.
2. A Dirty Air Filter
An air filter clogged with dirt and debris reduces airflow to your engine. That makes your car less efficient and burns more fuel.
Fix It: Swap out the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as recommended in your owner’s manual.
3. Driving With the Check Engine Light On
If you’ve been ignoring that little orange light, it could mean your car’s sensors are detecting an issue that’s impacting fuel efficiency.
Fix It: Get the codes checked at an auto parts store or a mechanic. Many shops offer free diagnostics, and fixing the problem could save you money at the pump.
4. Aggressive Driving
If you’re heavy on the gas pedal or slamming on the brakes frequently, you’re using up more fuel than you need to.
Fix It: Drive more smoothly. Accelerate gradually and anticipate stops to brake gently. Bonus: this also extends the life of your brakes!
5. Idling for Too Long
Sitting in the driveway with the engine running wastes gas—and modern cars don’t need to “warm up” as long as you might think.
Fix It: If you’re parked for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.
6. Carrying Extra Weight
Got a trunk full of junk? Extra weight in your car means the engine has to work harder, burning more fuel.
Fix It: Clear out anything you don’t need, especially heavy items like tools or sports equipment.
Small Issues Can Lead to BIG Savings!
Our mechanic friend says that paying attention to these small issues can lead to big savings at the gas pump. As he likes to remind us, “A well-maintained car is a happy car—and a happier wallet.”
So, if you’ve been feeling the pinch at the pump, try these tips. You might be surprised by how much you can save! Have any tricks of your own? Let us know in the comments section below!
RELATED TOPICS: Adulting | Ground Transportation | Lifestyle | Minnesota
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