You’ll find many smart buys at your Kia dealer if you’re looking for a vehicle that saves you money at the gas pump. In addition to choosing a model with high fuel efficiency ratings, try these simple driving tips to optimize your Kia’s gas usage and reduce operational costs.
5 Easy Expert Tips to Increase Fuel Efficiency From Your Kia Dealer
1. Slow Down
Driving too fast lowers your car’s fuel economy. According to the Department of Energy, speeding up quickly can decrease efficiency by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic and up to 30% on the highway. Stick to the speed limit to reduce your gas usage and avoid getting a costly ticket.
Accelerating and slowing down gradually rather than suddenly also helps with efficiency. Consider using your Kia’s cruise control feature to keep you at a steady speed on the highway. Some models even have adaptive cruise control technology. These systems automatically adjust your vehicle’s speed when you have cruise control set in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Group Your Trips
Making lots of stops and starts in your vehicle uses up gas. Instead of running errands one at a time, try to bundle your car trips. You can also use navigation to plan the most efficient trip with the shortest route and the fewest stops. Avoid driving a short distance to perform just one task.
3. Reduce Drag
Before taking a drive, clean out your vehicle to remove unnecessary objects. It’s especially important to take out heavy items, since extra weight adds drag that decreases efficiency. By the same token, take cargo carriers and roof racks off your car when you’re not using them. Consider closing your windows when traveling at highway speeds to reduce drag even further.
4. Use Regenerative Braking
If you have a hybrid Kia, take advantage of your car’s regenerative braking feature to improve efficiency. This system converts the kinetic energy created by your vehicle when you drive into electric energy that charges the vehicle’s battery. Regenerative braking reduces the amount of gas your hybrid car uses and extends the time between battery charges.
5. Activate Eco Mode
Some Kia vehicles offer selectable driving modes, including a fuel-efficient eco-mode. When you choose this setting, the system adjusts the operation of your vehicle to maximize fuel usage. Other settings such as sport or off-road modes may decrease efficiency in favor of enhanced performance.
In addition to these strategies, make sure you follow the recommended preventive maintenance schedule for your Kia. Regular oil changes, tire checks, and filter replacements keep your car running at maximum efficiency. Maintenance also wards off larger problems with your vehicle that can have a dramatic impact on gas usage if left unchecked. Contact Kia of Coatesville, PA today to set up your next service appointment.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.