Fuel is for driving; however, using less of it benefits both finances and the environment. Enhancing fuel efficiency means not relying on a single solution; it involves a combination of habits and smart choices. For example, minor adjustments in how a car is used or maintained can lead to noticeable savings and fuel efficiency over time. There are a few other tips that can help individuals improve a car’s fuel economy.
Limit Idling Time
Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Leaving the engine running while waiting in a parked car leads to unnecessary fuel wastage. Several newer cars have an auto stop-start system. It turns the engine off at red lights, in traffic, or when idling for a long time. However, if a car does not have that feature, the best move for individuals is to turn the engine off when waiting for more than a minute or two. Even short breaks, like waiting for someone or picking up food, can reduce fuel waste. This practice also contributes to extending the engine’s lifespan.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
A well-maintained car is almost always more efficient than one with overdue service. Air filters, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and fuel injectors all affect how efficiently a car burns fuel. Dirty filters or worn-out parts make the engine work harder than needed. They can also lead to the engine using more fuel at a greater speed, resulting in poor fuel efficiency. Following the recommended service intervals in the owner’s manual helps keep the engine running at its best. It also helps individuals use the fuel more wisely.
Check Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires can also be a cause of increased fuel consumption in cars. These can lead drivers to waste a lot of money on gas refills. Aside from this, underinflation can lead to the tires wearing out faster than they are supposed to. It decreases the age of the tires and wears out the treads on the surface. Poorly inflated tires can also cause increased rolling resistance. They push the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency. This is why it is important to regularly check the pressure on all the tires of the car. Individuals should keep a digital pressure gauge handy to ensure the car is always driving at the recommended tire pressure.
Replace Air Filters
Many drivers tend to overlook the importance of replacing air filters. As the filters gather more and more debris, they start growing less and less effective. This, in turn, impacts the car’s vacuum, requiring more energy consumption for the same amount of work. It is easier to replace the dirty filter with a clean one and improve the engine’s efficiency. Replacing the filter in time can improve the engine’s performance and allow it to draw in air from the surroundings. This simple, easy DIY task can save significant fuel costs.
Limit Air Conditioning
Many people prefer the cabin of their car to be cold. They often blast the air conditioner in the car to feel comfortable with the chilly temperature. While it is not a big issue otherwise, it can lower the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The strain on the engine is higher if the car is moving at a slower speed. So, individuals should use the AC sparingly instead. Drivers and passengers who don’t require air conditioning can utilize the car’s ventilation system for a more efficient alternative.
Drive Within Speed Limit
Speeding causes the car’s fuel consumption to increase. The U.S. Department of Energy states that cars experience a rapid increase in fuel consumption when they exceed 50 mph. It is important to remember these facts when driving on a highway. Slowing down by five to ten mph can help drivers reduce their fuel consumption significantly.
Drivers should consider sticking to speed limits to improve the car’s fuel efficiency. Just like driving fast, driving extra slow can also strain the engine, resulting in higher consumption. It is, therefore, important to stick to a safe driving speed and maintain consistency. Additionally, driving too fast or too slow, particularly on highways, can be dangerous for everyone present on the route.
Use Cruise Control
If and when possible, drivers should try turning on the car’s cruise control option. It can assist them in maintaining the car’s speed without switching it up and down frequently. Operating steadily can take some load off the car’s engine, improving fuel efficiency. It can be especially beneficial when driving on flat terrains. It helps prevent harsh accelerations and sudden stops, minimizing the extra work required by the engine to maintain a steady speed.
Keep the Car Clean
Individuals should clear out all the excess objects stashed at the back of the glove box. They should also check the car’s cabin and interior for items that have been there too long. The extra weight in the car increases its aerodynamic drag and can negatively impact its fuel efficiency. A general rule of thumb is that a vehicle’s fuel efficiency drops by 1% for every 100 pounds of weight it carries. Removing the unwanted items from the car can lighten its load and help owners save on gas money.
Use the Right Motor Oil
Using the grade recommended in the car’s manual keeps the engine running smoothly. Some oils are designed to reduce friction, which helps slightly improve fuel economy. However, skipping oil changes or using the wrong type can slow the engine down and make it burn more fuel than it should.
