Tips for Increasing a Car's Fuel Efficiency

Increasing your car’s fuel efficiency will definitely save a lot of money. With the rising prices in gasoline, getting the most out of a gallon will decrease the need to fill up the tank. In addition, it helps save the environment.

1.  Avoid Idling as Much as Possible

More than ten seconds of idling uses more gas than stopping the engine and restarting. So when fetching someone, it is best to park the car somewhere safe, stop the car’s engine, and never restart until it is time to go. Stopping the car during your, say, 5 to 10-minute waiting time will not only save fuel but save the planet as well. An idle car still burns fuel and therefore emits carbon dioxide. 

2.  Avoid Prolonged Engine Warm Up

In the winter, there's no need to warm up the engine for a couple of minutes; a 30-second engine warm up is sufficient. Actually, the engine gets warmed up easily and stays that way even after stopping.

3.  Don’t Forget to Tune Up

Cars that are obviously out of tune should be repaired as soon as possible. Repairing a car that has faulty oxygen sensor or has failed emission tests can result in improved gas mileage.  The percentage of gas savings will vary depending on how well the car is tuned up and how good the engine is in the first place.

4.  Make Sure Tires are Properly Inflated

Properly inflated tires last much longer and are generally safer as well. Tires that are under-inflated can reduce the gas mileage by approximately 3 percent or more. Therefore, always make sure to check the pressure on all tires at least every other week.

5.  Use Motor Oil Grade Recommendations

Manufacturers usually recommended the best grade of motor oil to use for the car. This can either be found in the manual or in the door on the driver side of the car. Make sure it says ”Energy Conserving” and it contains additives for friction reduction.

6.  Avoid Speeding

There is a reason that speed limit signs are there and one of them is safety. However, speeding also decreases gas mileage and therefore increases the need for more gas. At speeds over 60 mph, the car’s gas mileage increases at a rapid rate and decreases the fuel efficiency substantially. Use cruise control in order to keep the car speed constant. Driving at a constant speed at recommended speed limits is essential to fuel economy.

7.  Replace Worn Air Filters

Using efficient air filters can increase the gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. The air filter keeps impurities from interfering with the engine and thus provides a more efficient use of gas. This will also protect the engine from damage.

8.  Reduce Excess Weight and Drag

Drag and heavy weight also affect the fuel efficiency of a car. When there is too much weight inside a car or if there is too much drag resulting from open windows, the result is a decrease in gas mileage. Removing unnecessary items from the car will improve gas economy greatly.

9.  Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

When deciding to buy a new car, make sure to choose fuel-efficient ones. Car experts can usually help in this endeavor, but the best way to buy one is to do some initial researching yourself.