Five Key Ways to Increase Your Car Fuel Efficiency
Better Gas Mileage: What Five Things Can You Do on The Road to Improve Your Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
In today’s fast-paced world, we want everything NOW, and we want to go NOW! The increasing traffic on the roads has increased the demand for fuel-efficient cars that don’t waste gas or take too long to get from point A to B. If you’re the owner of an old clunker or are planning to buy a new car
On average, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle accounts for about 25% of your total car cost. So it’s worth learning how to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, both on the road and at home – especially as gas prices continue to rise in many areas. While it can be difficult to control what happens on the road, there are things you can do while driving (and at home) that will significantly improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Here are some tips to help you make sure you get the most out of your vehicle at every fill-up.
Optimize Pressure On Your Tires
Many car owners don’t realize that overinflating. Or underinflating tires can reduce fuel economy by as much as 3%. Keeping tires at an appropriate pressure will help you get better gas mileage and save you money. There are many ways to check tire pressure, including using a digital gauge, but one very effective way is with a penny. Put a penny into one of the treads so that Lincoln’s head points up or down. If Lincoln’s head points up, your tire has too much air and needs some air taken out; if it points down, then there is not enough air in the tire, and it needs more added in.
Alternatively, you can check tire pressure by looking for a number or letter on each tire’s side, called a tire pressure rating. The number represents how many pounds of air per square inch (psi) are in the tire. When this reading falls below 32 psi, it is time to inflate.
Practice Progressive Driving
Fuel consumption is one of the most expensive items in a car’s operating cost. One of the easiest and best ways to reduce fuel consumption is to practice progressive driving. That means accelerating gently, without racing out of intersections or stop signs, and braking gradually. If a car has poor tire pressure or alignment, it will need more power from the engine, which will result in higher fuel consumption. Lowering tire pressure by 10 pounds can increase gasoline mileage by two percent. Also, cars with lower tire pressures have a greater risk of blowouts, causing damage to tires and other components.
With that in mind, note that the first step is to practice progressive driving. This will help you get more miles out of every gallon of gasoline, which means better gas mileage. It involves driving in a way that keeps acceleration and braking gradual instead of sudden. Ensure that your car’s tires are inflated correctly for optimal performance, and check for any leaks or other problems affecting the fuel economy. Then follow these three steps for better car gas mileage:
- Keep your car tuned up
- Avoid aggressive driving
- Travel with a light foot on the accelerator pedal and brake pedal
- Check your tire pressure
- Keep up with regular maintenance
- Perform routine engine diagnostics
- Replace worn-out parts when necessary
Ensure To Clean and Check Your Car Auto Parts
Regular car servicing helps maintain your engine’s fuel efficiency. Engine parts work closely in tandem. If poorly maintained, sludge and corrosion will build up between the elements making it difficult for the engine to work smoothly. It is also why engine oils are essential. Good high-performance engine oil can help reduce engine friction, combat sludge, and improve fuel economy.
If you don’t want to shell out at the pump, you must not drive your car with dirty or clogged filters, such as the air or the oil filter. Get them cleaned or replace them.
If your tires are underinflated, they will use more fuel because they have a harder time gripping the pavement. You should check and adjust your tire pressure monthly, especially before long trips.
A dirty air filter or clogged radiator may cause engine damage and reduce fuel efficiency by 15-20%.
This includes checking for leaks in hoses, belts, and pulleys for cracks, debris, or fraying and visually inspecting the belts that drive various engine components.
Avoid Unnecessary Trips to Save On Fuel
One of the easiest ways to increase fuel efficiency is by avoiding unnecessary trips to save on fuel. If errands need doing, try doing them together or schedule them in a way that will avoid driving back and forth unnecessarily. In addition, car owners should make sure their tires are properly inflated. It’s amazing how many people overlook this simple step. A car with underinflated tires will be less efficient and use more gas than one with properly inflated ones. The last way to make your car more efficient is by stopping for red lights instead of going through them when they’re yellow. It might not seem like a big deal when you’re running late, but it quickly adds up over time and wastes precious resources and money in terms of wasted gasoline.
Avoid Excessive Idling/The Vehicle Ought Not to Stay Idle for Long.
One easy way to reduce fuel consumption is by turning off your car engine when it’s not in use. It may seem like a small change, but it does make a difference.
A car’s engine tends to consume more fuel when idle than when it’s in use. A car will use four times more fuel while idling than driving at 20 mph. If you’re using a parking space while shopping, turn off the engine and find another place to park. If you’re at work, get into the habit of turning off the engine after five minutes of idling time.
By paying attention to your tire pressure and keeping them properly inflated, you’ll reduce consumption by 1% for every 10psi drop in pressure. Keep an eye out for warning signs that indicate a need for air (like excessive tire wear), and take care of it before it gets too bad.
Fleetr Solutions for Fuel Efficiency
The best way to increase car fuel efficiency is by increasing one’s awareness of how their driving habits affect gas mileage. The more conscious drivers are of how they drive, the better they will be able to get the most out of their cars. Fleetr’s solutions can help to increase your fuel efficiency – letting you get the most out of your fleet vehicle and maximize your potential!
