In today’s world, where gas prices fluctuate and vehicle maintenance costs continue to rise, every mile per gallon counts. Whether you drive daily for work, commute long distances, or simply want to save money at the pump, improving your fuel efficiency is important. At Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, we’ve been in the business of helping drivers since 1946. As a trusted towing company serving Tennessee and Georgia, we’ve seen how inefficient driving can lead to breakdowns, and breakdowns can lead to unexpected expenses.

While our team is always ready with emergency towing and roadside assistance, we’d rather help you avoid these situations whenever possible. That’s why we’ve compiled our top fuel efficiency tips to help you save money, protect your vehicle, and stay road-ready.

Fuel Efficiency Tips From A Towing Company

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

It might seem simple, but tire pressure plays a huge role in your fuel economy. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder, and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trip. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Pro Tip: Investing in a digital tire gauge for your glovebox is a smart and inexpensive way to stay on top of tire health.

Stay On Top Of Routine Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is one of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency and prevent mechanical issues that can leave you searching for “a tow truck near me”. Routine oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections can all boost your engine’s performance and reduce fuel consumption.

At Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, our roadside technicians frequently respond to avoidable breakdowns caused by neglected maintenance. Don’t wait until you’re stranded, stay proactive with your vehicle.

Lighten Your Load

The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it burns. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk, roof racks, or backseat. Even 100 extra pounds can reduce your MPG by about 1%. If you carry tools or gear regularly, consider whether everything is necessary for your daily drive.

If your car breaks down due to overloading, our emergency towing team is available 24/7 to safely transport your vehicle. But minimizing weight helps you avoid that need altogether.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking are major fuel-wasters. Driving aggressively can lower your highway gas mileage by up to 30% and city mileage by up to 40%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Drive smoother, anticipate stops and starts, and use cruise control when safe to do so. Not only will you save fuel, but you’ll also reduce wear and tear on your brakes and engine, two things that can quickly put you in need of roadside service near me.

Limit Engine Idling

Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, especially in a drive-thru or parking lot, shut off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to handle frequent starts and stops without damage.

This habit is especially helpful during long waits or traffic jams. Plus, reducing idling lowers emissions, which helps both your wallet and the environment.

Plan Efficient Routes

Using navigation apps that monitor real-time traffic can save you time and fuel. Avoid congested routes, stop-and-go traffic, and unnecessary detours. Combine errands into one trip instead of making multiple short ones.

If your vehicle breaks down during travel, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is just a call away. But smart planning can keep you moving and reduce the chance of needing our help in the first place.

Use The Right Fuel & Oil

Make sure you’re using the fuel grade recommended by your car’s manufacturer, premium fuel doesn’t always mean better performance. Also, ensure that your oil meets the manufacturer’s viscosity guidelines. The right engine oil can reduce friction, improve efficiency, and extend your engine’s life.

Using incorrect oil or fuel can damage your engine over time. And trust us, our “tow truck near me” calls often involve problems that could’ve been prevented with proper fuel and fluid use.

Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Running the A/C can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 25%, especially in smaller vehicles. Use the A/C selectively, consider using your car’s ventilation system or rolling down the windows at lower speeds.

However, at higher speeds (like on the highway), open windows can actually increase drag and lower MPG. Find a balance that suits your driving conditions and climate.

Monitor Your Driving Habits

Many modern vehicles and apps track your fuel usage, driving patterns, and maintenance schedules. These tools provide helpful feedback on how to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

At Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, we use state-of-the-art GPS and dispatch technology for our fleet to ensure we arrive quickly for any “roadside service near me” call. Drivers can use similar tools to monitor and adjust their habits.

Know When To Call A Towing Company

Even with the best intentions, breakdowns happen. If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, the last thing you want to do is risk further damage by trying to fix it yourself.

Our experienced team at Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is always standing by with emergency towing services. We offer fast response times, professional care, and safe transport for your vehicle; whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or engine failure. When you search for “a tow truck near me”, know that we’re one of the most trusted names in the region.

Why Trust Doug Yates Towing?

Since 1946, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery has built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and rapid response. Serving Chattanooga, North Georgia, and surrounding areas, we provide:

• 24/7 emergency towing
• Light-duty and heavy-duty recovery
• Roadside assistance services
• Accident recovery
• Equipment transport

We know how stressful it can be when your car fails you. That’s why we prioritize getting you back on the road, or safely to your destination, as quickly and affordably as possible.

Whether you’re trying to prevent a breakdown or you need immediate help, Doug Yates is your go-to towing company when you search for “a tow truck near me” or “roadside service near me”.

Need A Towing Company? Call Us Today!

Fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money, it’s about protecting your vehicle, reducing emissions, and driving smarter. These tips, from a team that’s seen it all on the road, are practical steps every driver can take to improve their MPG and avoid costly problems down the line.

But if you ever do need us, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is just a phone call away. Contact our 24/7 dispatch team to request immediate emergency towing or roadside assistance.