How to Maximize Your Gas Efficiency as a Mobile Notary
As a mobile notary, you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, traveling from client to client. If you can cut your fuel costs, you can significantly improve your bottom line. We recommend making these tips part of your daily habits to improve your gas efficiency and spend less at the pump:
1. Drive at off-peak hours.
At Sunshine Signings, we know that people need notary services 24/7, 365 days a year. When you make yourself available to notarize documents outside of the usual business hours, you can reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in traffic. You can earn a dedicated following and also spend less on gas getting to see them.
2. Track traffic with your GPS.
Popular GPS programs like Waze and Google Maps use traffic information from other drivers to determine the least congested routes. These can help you find your way through traffic more quickly, so that you are not wasting gas sitting in gridlock.
3. Slow down to use less.
According to automotive experts, your car can lose up to 15 percent fuel efficiency driving over 65 mph. Stick to the speed limit to spend less money at the pump.
4. Use your gas and brakes more efficiently.
In town, if you are speeding up to stop lights just to hit your brakes, you are using more fuel than you need to. Watch traffic actively. If you see a light turning from green to yellow ahead, take your foot off the gas and slow naturally before getting to the light. You can use the same strategy at stop signs with many cars ahead. Over time, the fuel savings can be significant.
5. Keep your tires properly inflated.
Every 1 psi drop under your tires’ ideal inflation can cut your fuel efficiency .3 percent. You can find the proper inflation for your can on a sticker in the glove box or in the driver’s side door jamb. It should also be listed in your owner’s manual. Check your tires regularly to see that they are at their ideal pressure, particularly when the temperature changes. FuelEconomy.gov says that poorly inflated tires can cost you 6 cents on every gallon you burn.
6. Use the right oil.
If you are using the wrong oil, you can lose anywhere from 1 to 2 percent of your fuel efficiency. Check your car’s manual to see what oil is right for your vehicle. You can get even better gas mileage by switching to an oil that contains friction-reducing additives. These oils are usually marked “Energy Conserving” on the bottle.
7. Keep your engine well-tuned.
Faulty spark plugs, bad oxygen sensors and other car parts not performing as they should can cut your fuel efficiency. Get better gas mileage by periodically taking your car to the mechanic or tuning it up yourself.
8. Consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
If you switch from a car that gets 20 miles per gallon to one that gets 30 miles per gallon, you can save more than $2,300 a year at current average fuel costs. Updating your vehicle can make driving more pleasant and less expensive.
By doing small and large things that can improve your gas mileage, you can keep more of your earnings in your pocket every year. Looking for other smart ways to improve your mobile and online notary business? Visit our blog to learn more.
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