Tips for Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency
No matter the year or season, gas prices never seem to be “fair.” There’s always some “pinch at the pump” that has many of us reevaluating our monthly budgets or wondering whether our next planned road trip should be scuttled or rescheduled.
Petrol pains will continue to plague us all for some time into the future, but there are ways to minimize the hit to your wallet. Let’s touch upon some of the hottest tips for improving your car’s fuel efficiency and saving you a buck the next time you fill up.
Limit Aggressive Driving
It’s easy to always feel like you’re in a hurry, but obeying speed limits and practicing smart driving will help increase fuel efficiency and keep more money in your pocket. Since fuel economy reaches its height at around 50 MPH for most cars, reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 MPH can increase fuel efficiency in your vehicle by up to 10 percent or more.
Aggressive acceleration can also burn up fuel, so try to avoid any road rage or unnecessary passing attempts. This will help keep your engine, brakes, and transmission in top order. And don’t forget cruise control. It’s not just a comfortable way to drive. It’ll save you at the pump, too!
Don’t Slam On Your Brakes
Everyone knows to avoid stop-and-go city traffic and the rush hour, if for nothing more than our sanity. But regular driving situations may call for thoughtful braking, too, if you wish to maximize your fuel efficiency. Coasting to a stop light as opposed to slamming on your brakes is a better strategy, because the light may change at any moment, enabling you to keep some of the momentum you’ve already built up.
Reduce Cargo
The more junk you squeeze into your car’s trunk, the heavier your vehicle will be on the road, and the more fuel will be required to get it going. Consider limiting your cargo as much as possible before taking off on your next road trip.
Respect Aerodynamics
That bike you have on top of your roof rack? Unless you have an imminent plan to hit the trail, remove it. Bikes and other objects on your roof will decrease aerodynamics and make your car work harder to get where it’s going. Consider removing your roof rack altogether before your next highway journey. Consumer Reports found a loss of as much as 12 miles per gallon when driving with a bike-loaded roof rack versus no rack.
Check Your Tires
Tires are in a constant state of flux and are always deflating. They lose approximately 1 psi a month in normal driving conditions. If your tires are not properly inflated, not only will it adversely affect fuel economy, but it may also shorten their life.
Practice Proper Car Maintenance
Stick to a routine maintenance schedule! Vehicles that aren’t properly maintained will be susceptible to parts and systems breaking down, resulting in poorer fuel efficiency and higher repair costs.
At Tradition Ford of Newark, we’re eager to keep your car properly maintained and your fuel costs at a new low. Schedule a maintenance visit with one of our qualified professionals today and maximize your fuel economy.