5 Things That Cause Poor Gas Mileage

Rhea-AI Summary

ERIE, March 18, 2022 – Erie Insurance addresses the rising gas prices by highlighting factors affecting vehicle gas mileage. Key issues include speed, idling, aerodynamic drag, poor maintenance, and quick trips. Recommendations for better gas mileage include driving efficiently, maintaining the vehicle, planning trips effectively, and considering fuel-efficient vehicles. Erie Insurance, based in Pennsylvania, ranks among the top automotive insurers in the U.S. with over 6 million policies in force.

Positive

• Identifies factors impacting fuel efficiency, aiding consumers in reducing fuel costs.
• Provides actionable tips for improving gas mileage, enhancing customer value.
• Strengthens brand position by addressing consumer concerns amid rising fuel prices.

Negative

• None.

(And 4 Ways to Fix it)

ERIE, Pa., March 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Is it time to take a closer look at the way you drive and take care of your vehicle? As gas prices climb (and they are), these habits can make a bigger impact on your wallet than you may think. Improving your gas mileage (also known as miles per gallon or MPG) is one way to start. Your gas mileage is measured by calculating the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a single gallon of fuel.

Erie Insurance helps you identify what may be causing poor gas mileage in your vehicle and four ways to fix it, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Consumer Reports.

Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, all of these factors can negatively impact gas mileage:

1. Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle burns up. This includes how fast you accelerate, too.
2. Idling: Keeping your car on for it to warm up or cool down, waiting in line at a drive-thru or waiting to pick your kid up from soccer practice can all decrease your vehicle's fuel economy.
3. Aerodynamic drag and excess weight: Driving too fast or traveling with a rooftop cargo carrier? These can increase wind resistance, which causes your vehicle to use more gas. And towing any kind of trailer or hauling too much in your trunk, bed or back seat also requires more fuel.
4. Poor maintenance: From underinflated tires to an unattended engine issue, failure to consistently "tune up" your vehicle can cost you a lot more at the pump. It also can create potential safety risks.
5. Quick trips: A quick run to the supermarket on Monday. Stopping by the bank on Wednesday. While it may be convenient to run these errands one at a time, it can wreak havoc on your fuel economy. Quick, short trips like this from a "cold start" eat up fuel because your engine needs to warm up before it can run efficiently.

How can you improve your MPG?

1. Drive more efficiently: Follow the speed limit and drive sensibly ‒ not aggressively (e.g. quick accelerations, hard stops, etc.). On the highway, don't speed up and slow down (unless you need to for safety). Once you get up to speed, stay there. Use cruise control when possible.
2. Keep your car in shape: Make sure your engine is tuned, keep tires properly inflated and use the right grade of motor oil. Check out 9 Things You Should Never Do to Your Car for basic car care tips.
3. Plan and combine trips: Spend less time sitting in traffic by avoiding rush hour on daily commutes. Run all your errands on one day rather than taking multiple short trips during the week. If you have an especially long commute, ask your employer if you can work from home a day or two per week.
4. Opt for a more fuel-efficient vehicle: If your budget allows it, consider purchasing a vehicle that touts better MPG than your current one. With fuel prices rising, you could save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs per year switching from a vehicle with 20 MPG to 30 MPG. Check out the fuel savings calculator on fueleconomy.gov.

You can also save your wallet by saving on your monthly premium. With ERIE, cheap auto insurance doesn't have to mean poor protection and service. ERIE provides affordable car insurance with plenty of opportunities to reduce and avoid increases to your car insurance costs while maintaining quality coverage. Find a local ERIE agent to talk you through your coverage options and learn how you can start saving.

About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and 13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Family Life Insurance Company is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Life insurance policies not written in New York state. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information are available on ERIE's website at www.erieinsurance.com. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/5-things-that-cause-poor-gas-mileage-301505460.html

SOURCE Erie Insurance Group

FAQ

What are the causes of poor gas mileage according to ERIE?

According to ERIE, poor gas mileage can be caused by speed, idling, aerodynamic drag, poor maintenance, and quick trips.

What tips does ERIE provide to improve gas mileage?

ERIE suggests driving efficiently, maintaining the vehicle, planning and combining trips, and opting for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

How does ERIE Insurance position itself in the market?

ERIE Insurance is ranked among the 12th largest homeowners and 13th largest automobile insurers in the U.S., offering over 6 million policies.

When was the press release by ERIE published?

The press release by ERIE was published on March 18, 2022.