Whether you've just bought a brand-new Kia or owned your vehicle for some time, one thing's certain. You don't want to spend too much time or money at the fuel pump. Fortunately, you can take steps to improve your Kia's fuel economy. Here are five top tips for getting better gas mileage when you drive your Kia.
1. Check the Tire Pressure
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your car's fuel efficiency by up to 0.6% on average by ensuring that your tires have the correct air pressure. On the flip side, under-inflated tires can cause your vehicle's gas mileage to lower by about 0.2% for every one psi drop in air pressure. Not only are under-inflated tires bad for your Kia's gas mileage, they're also unsafe to drive on. By inflating your tires to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, you can get better gas mileage, and your tires will last longer.
2. Use Cruise Control
Constant changes in acceleration and deceleration can cause your Kia to consume more fuel than driving at a consistent speed. Using your car's cruise control makes it easier to maintain a steady speed. However, you don't want to use your cruise control in every situation. For example, when you're driving on wet roads or hilly terrain, be sure to maintain complete control of your vehicle.
Setting your cruise control at speeds above 55 miles per hour defeats the purpose, however. The faster you drive, the more drag your car experiences, which reduces gas mileage. Even when you're not using cruise control, driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can help your Kia conserve fuel.
3. Replace Your Spark Plugs
Suppose your 100,000-mile spark plugs have 80,000 miles on them. That means they're 80% worn. While drivers typically replace their car's spark plugs at the 100,000-mile mark, replacing them early can minimize misfires and incomplete combustion, which happen more often in the last 20,000 miles of their lifespan. Misfires can cause your Kia's engine to waste fuel, so changing them early can save money at the fuel pump. Plus, some four-cylinder engines need new spark plugs after 30,000 or 60,000 miles.
4. Keep Your Windows Rolled Up
When you're cruising down the highway, it can be pretty tempting to roll down your Kia's windows and feel the wind in your hair. However, rolling down the windows at highway speeds can increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. If you want to roll down the windows, wait until you're driving through the city at speeds less than 40 mph. It makes more sense to use your air conditioner on the highway and roll your windows down in the city because city driving involves more starting and stopping, as well as lower driving speeds in general.
5. Clean Your Car Out
The heavier your car is, the more its engine has to work to move it down the highway. By cleaning your Kia's cabin and removing any unnecessary cargo from the trunk or truck bed, you can reduce the strain on your engine, and it will need less fuel.
Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. By improving your Kia's fuel efficiency, you can enjoy driving it even more.
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.