STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW TO CUT DOWN ON FUEL COSTS
If you do a fair amount of driving each week, you’re likely paying a substantial amount at the pump every few days or so. No matter how often you drive, however, you can take steps to minimize the money you spend on gas. By picking up a few good habits, you’ll save in the long run and have more leftover for play when the weekend rolls around.
CUT THE ENGINE
It’s a common misconception that leaving your car running is more efficient than turning the engine off and on again. The U.S. Department of Energy dispels this myth, saying that you should turn off your vehicle any time you’re idling for more than 10 seconds.
According to the DOE, idling consumes up to a half-gallon of fuel every hour depending on engine size. While you’re not likely to idle for that long, that translates to about $0.03 of wasted fuel per minute. If you think about all the time you spend sitting idle in a given year, that really adds up.
TURN ON YOUR BMW’S AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION
Newer BMWs are now equipped with the Auto Start-Stop functions. The main purpose of auto Start/Stop is to save fuel.
Every time you stop at a red light or are stopped in traffic the engine turns off. Everything in the car including the ignition remains on. As soon as you take your foot off the brake the engine starts again automatically. It takes about 1 second for the BMW engine to restart.
UTILIZE YOUR BMW’S ECO PRO MODE
ECO PRO mode works by it automatically adjusting settings within your car to make your BMW more efficient
This setting will modify the engine’s throttle response to ensure it’s more energy efficient. Not only that, but it alters the settings in your climate control – along with any heated mirrors and seats – to ensure you’re not wasting too much energy.
You can also go into the ECO MODE settings to choose a top speed for your vehicle. This is optional, but it prevents you from going above a certain speed limit. Again, this works to reduce your fuel consumption and improve efficiency. Setting a maximum speed and using things like route-ahead assistant and the coasting function will help you use less fuel than you normally would.
In general, you can save around 20% of fuel just by utilizing ECO PRO.
FILL UP EARLY IN THE WEEK
According to a 2019 GasBuddy gas price analysis, gas prices tend to be the lowest on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you’re looking to buy cheap gas, avoid filling your tank on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays when gas prices tend to be the most expensive.
THINK ABOUT HOW BEST TO PAY
Some stations offer a lower price if you pay with cash instead of a credit card. The difference between the cash and credit price usually ranges from around 10 to 15 cents per gallon, another option is to pay with a cash-back credit card. While the credit card price may be higher than the cash price, the reward you receive could make using the credit card a better deal.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Having underinflated tires can lower your gas mileage and cause you to lose about 2 cents per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To find the proper tire pressure for your car, check your owner’s manual or the sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or in the glove box.
LIGHTEN YOUR CAR AND REMOVE RACKS
The less you have weighing down your vehicle, the better gas mileage it gets. Look at what you’ve got in your car and remove anything you don’t need. So that neglected sports equipment in your trunk can go and drop off those clothes you’ve been meaning to donate.
If you don’t use that bicycle rack, remove it. Racks are extra weight and create more wind resistance — both of which reduce gas mileage.
DRIVE LESS AGGRESSIVE
Overly aggressive driving is one surefire way to get less bang for your buck when it comes to fuel. According to the DOE, being overly aggressive behind the wheel can have a major impact on fuel consumption. While being alert and defensive is important, accelerating too quickly, speeding, and hard braking can reduce gas mileage by as much as 30 percent on the highway and 40 percent in the city.
Speeding in particular can take a big bite out of fuel economy. The DOE writes that you essentially pay an extra $0.22 per gallon of gas for every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph.
PURCHASE A MORE FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLE ON YOUR NEXT CAR REPLACEMENT CYCLE
Consumer Reports estimates that drivers save an average of $800-$1,000 on fuel alone every year they own an EV. With BMW releasing their first-ever fully electric iX and i4 in 2022, you don’t have to sacrifice style, luxury, and performance for efficiency
You can learn more about the BMW iX and i4 along with pre-order information on our website. You can also view in-stock hybrid vehicles here. As always, feel free to contact Circle BMW with any questions or to learn more.
With the right tactics, you can see your monthly fuel expenses decrease and your fun money budget increase!
500 Rt. 36 East
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sales: 732-820-4053
Service: 732-820-5589
circlebmw.com
Sponsored by: Circle BMW