ConsumerReports.org posted a news item this week titled, “Lessons in Car Downsizing”. The article cited that many SUV and truck owners might be looking 
Consumers who were considering downsizing their vehicles were advised to hang onto their larger vehicles if the trade-in value of the SUV or truck is currently lower than normal due to high gas prices circumstance.
ConsumerReports.org also advised consumers to consider depreciation and amortization: “The longer you own a car, the more years you have to amortize the initial purchase, and the cheaper it will be to own. So if your old car is still running well, in the long run you’re usually better off hanging onto the old beast even if it does guzzle fuel.”
If you have weighed the factors of whether or not to downsize your vehicle and have decided to stick with your larger vehicle, TCS would like to provide you with some gas mileage improvement tips from the U.S. Department of Energy. Here are three simple ways that you can get the most out of your vehicle’s MPG:
Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve your gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Your local auto service dealers may have coupons or specials for tune ups. Be sure to check their websites or local coupon mailers.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Under inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Check your tires’ sidewalls to find the proper tire pressure or visit one of your local tire dealers for assistance.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1 – 2 percent by simply using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. If you are unsure of you’re the ideal motor oil grade for your vehicle, you can visit your local auto service dealer for recommendations and service.
As you can see, the gas mileage improvements can add up fast! For other gas mileage increasing tips, you can visit www.FuelEconomy.gov.
We hope that whether or not you have a large or small vehicle, that you’ll consider the safety benefits of properly inflated tires as well as the gas mileage benefits. If you are unsure of the condition of you tires, we encourage you to visit your local tire dealer for assistance.