New Tires, Wheel Alignments, and 5 Other Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump in Lancaster, PA
With gas prices averaging just below $4.00 a gallon for regular gas in Pennsylvania at the end of September 2022, many families are searching for ways to save fuel. You may try tactics like getting a cashback rewards credit card that pays you a certain percentage back for fueling up on gas or limiting your trips altogether. While you may save a few pennies with these methods, there are other ways of saving money at the gas pump.
For example, buying new tires in Lancaster, PA, with lower rolling resistance, can help save you money at the gas pump because the engine doesn’t need to work as hard to keep the wheels moving. You can also ensure that your car is updated on regular maintenance, which can help improve fuel efficiency. Dutch Valley Auto Works has been servicing new and used cars like yours since 1971. We can help ensure your tires are right and your car works at its best to maximize your fuel economy.
1. Get the Right Type of Tire
Not all tires are created equal. When you buy new tires, you’ll want to look for touring tires, which are built for efficiency and comfort. They make for a smoother ride because they filter the effects of small bumps on the road’s surface and can reduce your fuel consumption. Avoid performance tires, which are designed for grip when taking sharp turns and improved responsiveness. These tires are great in some circumstances, but they increase the amount of fuel you use.
Some tire brands offer tires that combine touring and performance, so you must go to a tire shop you trust for the best advice. At Dutch Valley Auto Works, our team of experts will help you decide on the best tires for your circumstances and goals. Come to us for new tires right here in Lancaster, PA!
2. Keep Tires at the Correct Pressure
Another way to increase your savings on gas is to keep them properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase your fuel consumption between 0.6% and 3%. Check the sticker inside your driver’s side door to find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. There should be a chart with the recommended tire pressure from the manufacturer. You can also check your car’s handbook.
Don’t wait until you get an alert from your tire pressure monitoring system. Regularly check the pressure in your tires every week or two to ensure your tires are fuel efficient. Some gas stations, such as Sheetz, have inexpensive or free air pumps to check and calibrate the pressure in your tires.
3. Use Reward Programs
Reward programs may save you a few cents per gallon. Apps like GasBuddy allow you to not only view the gas prices at all the gas stations nearby but can also help you save money. When you sign up for their rewards card and use it to purchase fuel, you can save a few cents on each gallon of gas.
Grocery stores, membership warehouses, and other places sometimes partner with certain gas stations to offer gas rewards when you shop with them. You can earn fuel points which can be redeemed for a certain amount off your gas. Many gas stations also have their own rewards, saving you at least three cents off every gallon of gas when you fuel up.
4. Pay Cash
Paying cash is also another way of saving money at the gas pump. Some stations will advertise their credit or debit card rates on their signage but may also have a cash rate of about five to 10 cents off the regular fuel price. You’ll have to go inside to pay and see the savings, but it can be an easy way to make the prices at the pump a little more reasonable.
5. Use High-Quality Motor Oil
Did you know there are 11 grades of motor oil and four varieties in the United States? With so many options, how do you know which one is right for your vehicle? As with your tire pressure, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. You’ll find the right oil for your vehicle by searching your handbook. Alternatively, you can go to the manufacturer’s website and find it there.
But an even easier way to ensure you’re using a high-quality, recommended oil is to bring it to us! We can handle oil changes and ensure your car has the right type of oil for maximum fuel efficiency.
6. Keep Car Well Maintained
Along with regular oil changes and new tires in Lancaster, PA, ensuring your car is well maintained can help with fuel efficiency. New spark plugs, replacing your transmission fluid, and cleaning your air filters can help you save money on gas. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tune-ups and have a reliable mechanic shop, like Dutch Valley Auto, perform the work for you.
7. Get a Wheel Alignment
When your wheels are misaligned, you can reduce your gas mileage by up to 10%. When your car naturally pulls to one side, or you find yourself fighting your steering wheel to stay straight, it’s time to call us for a wheel alignment. For all-wheel drive vehicles, a four-wheel alignment is ideal. However, a front-end alignment is sufficient for fuel efficiency if you drive a rear-wheel vehicle.
Ready to Get New Tires or Maintenance in Lancaster, PA, to Improve Fuel Efficiency?
When you are ready to start saving money at the gas pump, bring your vehicle to Dutch Valley Auto Works! Whether you need routine maintenance, an oil change, a wheel alignment, or new tires in Lancaster, PA, our team can help! With more than 50 years of experience in an automotive shop, you can count on us for high-quality work that improves your fuel efficiency.
