Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are providing consumers with tips to maximize their gas usage. FDACS inspectors investigate complaints regarding pricing signage, fuel quality, and labeling while the state Attorney General’s office handles price gouging complaints.
“With high gas prices across the state, we want to ensure that consumers are getting the best gas mileage possible. These tips will help you maximize your gas usage and get the most out of your money,” Commissioner Fried said.
- Check the tires: Checking the pressure on your car’s tires monthly can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. The pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and heat is a major factor. Your owner’s manual will give you a cold PSI rating, which is what your tires should read in the morning before they heat up from driving and friction. Under-inflated tires can lower fuel economy and can cause uneven wear and tear.
- Consider a tune-up: A car in good condition will run better and will be more efficient with each gallon of gas. Changing spark plugs, wires and the air filter can improve fuel efficiency. More advanced jobs like cleaning the mass air-flow sensor or changing a belt can be helpful as well.
- Watch your speed: Going above 70 mph will significantly reduce fuel mileage. According to FuelEconomy.gov, there’s an average 14 percent decrease in fuel efficiency from 60 to 70 mph and an additional 15.4 percent decrease when going from 70 to 80 mph. This happens because the vehicle is not only working harder to achieve the extra speed, but it also has to combat additional wind resistance.
- Strive for smooth and steady driving: Even if you don’t feel like slowing down, how you get to the higher speeds matters, too. Aggressive stop-and-go driving is asking the car to work its hardest to achieve any desired speed. Watch the tachometer (the other large dial often right next to the speedometer) to see how quickly each cylinder is cycling – each cycle means more fuel is being used. A study published by SAE International found that “aggressive behavior behind the wheel can lower gas mileage in light-duty vehicles by about 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic and roughly 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds. This can equate to losing about $0.25 to $1 per gallon.”
- Get rid of junk in the trunk: Extra weight in your vehicle will make it less efficient. Try not to leave multiple or heavy items in your car for long periods of time.
- Use apps and retailer discount programs: Apps and websites like GasBuddy can help you find a wide range of information on gas prices, like where the cheapest gas in your area can be found. Many national chain stores have retailer programs that can provide discounts and benefits and help you save when you buy gas.
The FDACS Division of Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, information and protection. We regulate various businesses, such as motor vehicle repair shops, charitable organizations, pawnbrokers, health studios, sellers of travel, intrastate movers, professional surveyors and mappers, sweepstakes/game promotions and telemarketers. In addition, we protect consumers and businesses from unfair and unsafe business practices across a wide range of market sectors, including gasoline, brake fluid, antifreeze, liquefied petroleum gas, amusement rides, and weighing and measuring devices. Floridians can contact 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español with consumer concerns.
