How to Maximize Gas Mileage: Tips to Increase Fuel Economy
With petrol prices constantly rising it becomes crucial to utilize each drop to get the maximum benefit. Improving your fuel economy tends to save your pocket and is beneficial to the environment as well.
You can incorporate the practices we will highlight into your daily driving to maximize gas mileage. Try following them and you will be amazed by the difference a slight change can make and help you save big.
Keep Tires at the Right Pressure
Tires have a huge impact on fuel efficiency as they serve as a medium between your road plus vehicle. Tires inflated to the correct pressure positively impact fuel economy. By maintaining the right pressure, you can increase gas mileage to a greater extent.
Tires that are underinflated can result in wasted fuel plus can wear out easily. This further shortens the lifespan of tires also costing extra dollars for new tires. To avoid all the extra costs, keep checking your vehicle tires with a digital pressure gauge and fill the recommended pressure.
You can buy digital pressure gauges from Amazon.
Replace Spark Plugs
Bad spark plugs decrease fuel economy plus can cost you extra for increased fuel consumption. If you notice an abrupt decrease in gas mileage there are good chances that it might be caused by a spark plug misfiring.
The earlier you replace the spark plugs the more you will be able to save. It is best to check out your owner manual to better understand the recommended schedule for your vehicle.
Keep Your Car Aligned
Misaligned tires can consume way more fuel than aligned tires as they tend to drag rather than roll. Improper alignment causes your vehicle to lose more fuel. It also impacts the longevity of the tire as dragging makes the tire wear out quickly.
What’s good is that you can check your vehicle tire alignment without taking it to a mechanic which results in extra charges. You can buy a tread depth gauge from Amazon to measure depth on both edges.
If one side of the tire is more worn than the other, it indicates misalignment and needs proper alignment. To keep the car aligned, it is recommended to consult the owner’s manual and rotate as per the provided instructions.
Replace Your Air Filters
Air filter serves to protect the engine from contaminants. They ensure smooth engine operation by allowing only clean air to enter the engine. A dirty air filter can decrease fuel economy and can cause extra fuel consumption. It is recommended to replace the air filters when you change your oil. And if you drive in more dusty conditions, you should replace it more often for a smooth operation.
Go Easy on Pedal and Slow Down
Speeding, braking, and catching sudden acceleration tend to consume more fuel. Reducing speed to a certain level and a smooth ride can help you improve fuel economy to a greater extent. Also, accelerate smoothly to reach the desired speed without aiming for higher speeds.
Furthermore, you can be more efficient with gas mileage riding your vehicle at a slower pace such as less than 50 miles per hour. While each vehicle is different in terms of optimal speed, increasing speed does have a negative impact on gas mileage.
Remove Excess Weight
The heavier the load in the car, the more fuel it will consume. So if you do anything to make it lighter, it will be summed up as saving in your pockets.
Avoid loading your car with stuff you won’t need. Having roof boxes and bike racks can be a relief but loading them with stuff can minimize gas mileage. However, having a clear space in the backseat can have a positive impact too.
Replace Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors monitor how combustion is carried out by the engine. It tracks the amount of oxygen left in the exhaust. With time, they become exhausted and can consume a bit extra in vehicle’s fuel economy.
A common indicator of a potential oxygen sensor issue is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. It is recommended to replace your sensor every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. For more specific criteria you can consult your vehicle’s owner manual.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling
A car standing still with the engine turned on consumes fuel with zero miles. This way the fuel is being used but you are going nowhere with it and wasting it for no good.
So while you are waiting for a friend or just eating, turn the engine off. You will easily notice the savings that will sum up in your wallet.
Modern cars have the “stop/start” technology that makes it quite simple to turn the engine off when the car is stationary. If your car has the technology, switching the engine off when idling is the best thing you can do.
Service & Maintain Your Car
Make sure your car is regularly maintained and is properly functional as it has a significant impact on gas mileage. A regularly serviced car functions better and consumes less fuel as compared to a car that isn’t.
Regular maintenance not only enhances the performance and fuel economy but serves as a safety factor. It also increases the longevity of the vehicle so you will be saving huge in the long run.
You can perform some of the maintenance tasks by yourself so you won’t be paying extra charges. Make sure to use the right lubricants and fluids. Also, follow the owner manual for correct schedules and identify the right parts.
Keep an Eye on Warning Lights
Most car owners tend to ignore the glowing engine light as a minor emission problem. But emission problems are mostly caused by incomplete combustion which means your car is consuming more fluid than you need.
Furthermore, a check light means your vehicle is wasting gas. And the worst part is that the extra gas goes right into your converter causing it to fail earlier. That way it costs you a catalyst converter which is fairly expensive to drain your pockets.
Conclusion
By following our guidelines, you can notice how small changes can serve as a reduction in fuel consumption. By adapting to a more saving style of driving, you can ensure your vehicle functions better without getting heavy on your pocket.