Summer is the perfect season to get in your car and head outdoors. If this is included in your summer plans, be sure you know the best ways to make the most of your fuel.

How You Can Increase Your Summer Fuel Economy

Filling up on gas can get expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to stay indoors this summer. Before heading out on a long summer road trip or simply heading on a short camping trip, be sure you are doing your best to conserve your fuel.

First, a Few Things About the Summer and Fuel...

Although the cold weather associated with the winter months tends to be more detrimental to your fuel economy than the summer heat, the amount of time people spend in their cars over the summer can lead to more fuel consumption. Short trips to the coast, long road trips with friends, or even making the effort to spend more time outdoors can really start to add up in terms of fuel. Not only is this bad for your wallet, it can also be bad for the environment. To combat this, do your best to stay conscious of your fuel consumption.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

No one likes to admit that they're an aggressive driver, but being honest about your bad driving habits can help you lower your fuel consumption. If you're guilty of speeding through traffic and then coming to short, abrupt stops, you're not helping your fuel economy. Practice keeping your speed under control and maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. This will help you have more time to coast to a stop or avoid braking excessively in general. The less you brake and the smoother you brake, the better for your fuel economy.

Proper Vehicle Maintenance

Most of us dread having to take care of seasonal car maintenance, but the truth is that it does a ton of good. Keep in mind that vehicle's that aren't maintained properly can use up to 50% more fuel than those that are. Some of the most important things you have to take care of are the tires, air filter, and motor oil. Properly inflated tires will give you better traction and reduce rolling resistance. A dirty air filter leads to reduced engine efficiency, meaning your engine has to work harder, forcing it to consume more fuel. Finally, get your oil changed regularly. Clean oil will reduce the strain on your engine, helping it to perform more efficiently. For best results, pick up the correct viscosity oil for your engine and make sure it's a synthetic oil. Synthetic oil will offer your car many benefits, including a potential increase in your fuel economy. Check out AMSOIL's full range of synthetic oils for the best engine protection this summer. Before heading out on your summer road trip, give your vehicle a  synthetic oil change in Warminster. If you're not sure what oil is right for your vehicle, contact Synthetic Oil Direct at (215) 834-8720 for expert advice. Their professionals will be able to recommend products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Don't forget that you can also shop their full range of products in their online shop.

Roll Down the Windows or Turn on the A/C?

Knowing when to roll down the windows or turn on the A/C in your vehicle can help you save at the pump. We all know that using the air conditioning adds to your fuel consumption, but so does rolling down your windows. This is because with the windows down, your vehicle will have to fight added aerodynamic drag or wind resistance. So then, what should you do? The answer is quite simple: roll down the windows when traveling at low speeds, such as on city streets, and turn on the air conditioning when traveling at higher speeds, such as on a highway. Avoid running your air conditioning too cold since this will not help your fuel consumption. To reduce the heat in your vehicle's cabin, park it in shady areas and roll down the windows as you drive away before turning on the A/C.

Check Your Gas Cap

This may sound silly, but a gas cap that is broken or doesn't quite close correctly can cause you to lose fuel. Be sure to close it tight every time you fuel up in order to prevent your gas from evaporating. If your cap is loose, damaged, or gone, replace it as soon as you can. Evaporation may not sound like a big deal, but this loss of fuel can really add up over time.

Use the Cruise Control

If you're taking a long road trip or simply have a long drive ahead of you, why not use the cruise control? Using your vehicle's cruise control can actually help you conserve fuel because it keeps your vehicle at a safe and steady speed. However, if you're driving on a road full of hills, cruise control is not your friend. It can actually make you waste more fuel as it tries to maintain a constant speed on an uneven road. Find all the tools you need to keep your engine running efficiently this summer by clicking here.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer with a Synthetic Oil Change in Warminster

Contact the synthetic oil experts at Synthetic Oil Direct for help finding the perfect AMSOIL Oil products for your vehicle. Give them a call at  (215) 834-8720 to learn more about how their Signature Series oils can be beneficial for your engine. For a full range of AMSOIL Oil products, stop by their online shop.