Ways to Increase Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

Driving your car is something that you’ve likely done every single day for years or even decades without giving a second thought. The way you drive is the way you drive, and you’ve probably never really taken stock of how you do it.

That’s a mistake—a mistake that could be costing you money thanks to inefficient driving methods and habits. We all want to protect our wallets, especially given the turbulence of the last few years. Coupons and discounts are more valuable than ever, and everyone in your circle is probably ready with a tip on how to save some cash.

This saving mentality extends to our driving habits and how much gasoline our cars consume. Increasing car fuel efficiency is good for both the environment and for your family budget’s bottom line. It just makes sense.

Read on for some tips about how you can drive more efficiently and save at the pump:

• Empty out the trunk: There are some extra necessities that everyone should have in their car (never get rid of a spare tire or tools, for example). Clutter beyond that, however, can seriously hamper your gas mileage. In fact, extra stuff weighing as little as 100 pounds can have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of your automobile. Our first vehicle fuel efficiency tip is the simplest: Lighten the load your car has to carry around.
• Check the tires: Tire pressure that’s out of sorts is another gas-guzzling problem. Underinflated tires are far more costly than overinflated ones; a tire that’s underinflated can cause your gas consumption to tick upwards by as much as 3 percent if left unchecked. Check your tire pressure at least once or twice a month, and consult the manual for the proper pressure they should maintain.
• Stay the course: If your car’s engine is working harder, it becomes far more difficult to increase car fuel efficiency. To that end, excessive acceleration and braking can also quickly sap your car’s mileage, as the engine must labor to reach the desired speeds. It’s best to use cruise control whenever possible and brake in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Limit idling: Contrary to popular belief, idling in your car uses far more fuel than simply turning it off and on again. In fact, you’ve probably ridden in a newer car that automatically turns off when you come to a complete stop. If you have an older model, there’s no need to turn the key off at every stoplight, but consider doing so if you’re going to be stopped for a bit outside someone’s house.

These vehicle fuel efficiency tips should help you get started on a more consumption-conscious style of driving that protects your wallet and helps you live a greener lifestyle.

You can also help ensure an efficient driving experience by bringing your car in for regular maintenance at our professional and full-equipped shop. Call the team at AAA Sandoval Transmissions today, and let us get your car into the peak condition that it deserves.

Categorised in: Car Maintenance

This post was written by Writer