Currently, owning a car is more of a need than a luxury. But besides maintenance costs, one issue affecting most car owners is the shifting gasoline prices. And while you may have little influence over the cost of gasoline, making use of every drop of fuel can enhance efficiency and help you save money. You can improve your car’s fuel economy by driving more effectively and making some changes to your driving habits. Keep reading to learn more about how you can enhance your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Key Takeaways:
- Most of us drive regularly, and car fuel and maintenance costs often take a big bite out of our budgets.
- There are ways to improve your gas efficiency, maximize your car’s fuel economy, and lower your driving costs.
- Keeping up with routine maintenance, limiting idling, and getting rid of extra weight are some of the ways you can boost your car’s fuel economy.
Go Easy on the Pedal
You may have a strong desire for speed, but pushing the motor to achieve higher capability for higher speed output isn’t the most fuel-efficient driving habit. Yes, it can give speed to your automobile, generating a 0-100 KPH time in under 5 – 6 seconds. However, it’ll consume more gas. That’s because faster speeds produce more drags, which equals more fuel being burned off. On the other hand, driving sensibly, and not like a race car driver, can result in an equivalent gas savings of between 31 cents and $1.24 per gallon.
Limit Idling
When you’ve parked your car and the engine is on and idling, the fuel consumption is about 0 miles per gallon. As such, if you want to maximize your car’s fuel economy, you should turn off your engine when waiting for your friend outside their house or when getting a burger from the drive-thru. In fact, you may have noticed that most modern-model cars feature the stop-start system. That allows vehicles to conserve fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine then restarts automatically when the brake is released. Surprisingly, idling uses more fuel than restarting the car and gives off 80% more pollution than when the car is in motion.
Get Rid of Excess Weight
Did you know that an additional 100 pounds in your car will lower your gas mileage by up to 1%? In fact, for every additional 100 pounds in extra weight, you should plan on spending up to 3 cents more per gallon! So, do whatever you can to make your car lighter and save more money. For instance, emptying the boot and backseat can lower your car’s weight. Similarly, while adding extra body fabrication, such as roof racks or other upgrades can enhance your ride’s appearance, it can cause your car to drag more. Increased drag takes more engine power, which means more fuel consumption.
Keep Up with Routine Car Maintenance
A car that’s regularly inspected or evaluated by a professional uses less fuel than one that’s not regularly checked. That’s because filthy spark plugs, air filters, and connections affect your fuel economy. But when you follow the maintenance routine in the owner’s manual or as recommended by the dealership, your car will be more efficient and produce fewer gas emissions. So, schedule regular tune-ups with your dealership to replace air filters, motor oil, and check tire rotations.
Change Your Engine Oil
As your car oil deteriorates from everyday use, it can form sludge, causing drag and lowering fuel economy. So, changing your engine oil and filter at or before the manufacturer’s suggested intervals will help you save money on gas. Moreover, fuel injectors could also get clogged due to poor fuel quality, resulting in incorrect fuel-to-air ratio entering the motor. Hence, you should schedule an appointment with your local dealership to perform fuel injection flush service and get your oil changed.
Proper Use of Air Conditioner
Vehicle air conditioning units have become highly efficient over the years. And while you could be torn between turning on the AC or opening the windows, minimizing the use of an air conditioner will save you gasoline. Besides, you can minimize the use of your AC in the following ways:
- Use a windscreen cover while parked
- Park your vehicle in the shade to keep the cabin cooler
- Open the windows first to enable hot air to escape before switching of the AC
- Increase your automatic climate control temperature
- Switch off the air conditioner once the cabin temperature reaches optimum levels
Maintain Proper Tire Inflation
Your car tires’ condition is one of the most crucial aspects when it comes to fuel economy. A little bit of car tire maintenance can go a long way in improving gas mileage. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore this. But did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted every year on underinflated tires. Tires can lose about 2 pounds per square inch per month, and each tire that’s underinflated by 10 per square inch reduces fuel economy by approximately 3.3%. Consequently, four tires underinflated by 10 psi, will lower your car’s fuel economy by 10%, at an added cost of 31 cents per gallon. So, to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, follow the guidelines on the owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure levels.
Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy!
Changing your driving habits and maintaining your car in good shape can make a huge difference in maximizing your fuel efficiency. Use the above mentioned tips to lower fuel use and fuel expenses. For more information on ways to improve your car’s fuel economy, consult our auto professionals. We’re highly trained and vastly experienced and will guide you on the best ways to maximize your fuel economy. Call us today for all your car needs!
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