(WACO, Texas) – Drivers looking to stretch their fuel dollars can boost efficiency through simple habits and routine maintenance, according to instructors at Texas State Technical College.
According to AAA Texas, the state average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.90, while diesel sits at $5.84 per gallon.
Ty Liedtke, an automotive instructor at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus, said applying common sense and regular maintenance can help drivers stretch their fuel.
“All preventive maintenance measures should be observed, from maintaining proper tire pressure to keeping a clean air filter,” Liedtke said. “But there are other ways to conserve fuel as well.”
Liedtke recommends turning off the air conditioner and rolling down windows when weather permits.
“That will save some gas,” Liedtke said. “Also, keep the exterior of your car clean so wind resistance is minimized.”
Driving habits also play a major role in fuel economy. Liedtke advises drivers not to rush.
“The higher the rpm (revolutions per minute), the more gas you use,” Liedtke said. “Keep your foot off the gas and use cruise control when you can. That will save a lot on your gas.”
For vehicles equipped with fuel filters, Liedtke noted that the industry standard is replacement every 30,000 miles.
“Check your owner’s manual because many modern vehicles do not have fuel filters,” he added.
While passenger vehicles require daily mindfulness, heavy-duty diesel trucks and machinery demand specialized upkeep to stay fuel-efficient, according to TSTC Diesel Equipment instructor David Folz, who teaches at the Waco campus.
Folz said diesel owners need to focus on maintenance, including keeping air filters clean, maintaining proper tire pressure and using the best quality fuel possible.
“Make sure it’s running right,” he said. “Don’t be riding around with your check engine light on.”
Folz said the type of vehicle and its manufacturer depend on how oil changes need to be performed.
“Make sure you use the right type of oil with the type of vehicle it is,” he said. “It makes a difference on fuel economy.”
TSTC students are also feeling the pinch at the pump. Many commute long distances to school and must stretch their paychecks to afford fuel alongside daily necessities.
Jose Bautista, an automotive student from Snyder, said high fuel costs forced him to cut his in-person lab time from three days to two. He now spends his third day completing online coursework toward his associate degree.
“One thing I have done to conserve gas is drive straight from school to work in Snyder — a 32-mile one-way trip — without stopping at home,” Bautista said. “I spend a couple of extra hours at work, which saves me an extra trip from my house.”
John Hufford grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and now lives in Temple to attend TSTC’s Waco campus. The first-semester student is working toward heavy truck and off-highway associate degree specialties in the Diesel Equipment program.
He drives to the campus four days a week for classes. Hufford has a Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch and has access to Chevrolet S-10 and a Ram 1500. He selects what he drives depending on what he has to do. Hufford said he drives his F-250 to class a couple of times a week.
“I have started going out of my way to find deals on fueling,” Hufford said. “I have also gone out of the way to purchase equipment that can better benefit my fuel economy, such as intakes and exhaust to help air flow.”
James Harris, of Lavon in Collin County, drives twice a week to take classes in the Electrical Lineworker and Management program at TSTC’s Waco campus. The third-semester student is working toward a certificate of completion and is scheduled to graduate in December.
He drives a Ford F-250 6.7L Power Stroke and said commuting must be done for the sake of his wife and three children.
“My thing about this is you can’t adjust for it,” Harris said about diesel prices. “It fluctuates so bad. It is a gamble.”
Harris said drivers can look for reliable apps to track gas prices and also keep vehicles tuned up for performance to better gas mileage.
“I rely on funding for school to make it to and from,” he said. “It’s a gamble and it’s scary because I am a full-time dad. I don’t have the luxury of working.”
For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.