With the constantly rising cost of gas, improving your car’s fuel efficiency can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your car’s fuel efficiency:
- Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated: Under-inflated tires can decrease your fuel efficiency by up to 3%. Checking your tire pressure regularly and maintaining it at the recommended level is one of the easiest ways to improve your car’s fuel efficiency. When your tires are properly inflated, they have less rolling resistance, which means your car uses less fuel to move forward.
- Reduce Your Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your car uses. If you can avoid sudden accelerations and decelerations, you can maintain a more consistent speed and improve your car’s fuel efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, each 5 mph you drive above 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Keeping your speed down and driving more smoothly can help you save money on gas.
- Avoid Unnecessary Weight: The heavier your car, the more fuel it needs to move. Carrying heavy items around in your car, such as tools or equipment, can decrease your fuel efficiency. If you don’t need it, remove it from your car. A lighter car requires less fuel to move, so you can save money by keeping your car free of unnecessary weight.
- Use Cruise Control: Using cruise control on the highway can help you maintain a steady speed and reduce fuel consumption. When you use cruise control, your car maintains a constant speed without sudden accelerations or decelerations, which can waste fuel. According to the Department of Energy, using cruise control on the highway can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 7%.
- Plan Your Trips: Combining multiple errands into one trip can save you time and fuel. If you plan your trips ahead of time and take the most efficient route, you can save money on gas. Avoid backtracking or driving unnecessary distances. By planning your trips, you can also reduce the amount of time you spend driving, which can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Maintain Your Car: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve your car’s fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel. If your car is due for maintenance, be sure to bring it to a trusted mechanic who can help you improve its fuel efficiency.
- Use the Right Fuel: Using a higher-octane fuel than your car requires can actually decrease your fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to see what fuel is recommended for your car. Using the right fuel can help your engine run more efficiently, which can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Avoid Idling: Idling for more than a minute wastes fuel. If you’re parked or stuck in traffic, turn off your engine to save fuel. If you’re waiting for someone, consider turning off your engine instead of idling. Even a short amount of idling can waste fuel and decrease your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Close Your Windows: Driving with your windows open can decrease your car’s aerodynamics and increase drag, which can decrease fuel efficiency. Use your air conditioning instead. While using your air conditioning does use fuel, it’s more efficient than driving with your windows open.
- Accelerate Smoothly: Avoid sudden accelerations or decelerations, which can waste fuel. Try to accelerate smoothly and gradually. According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving (such as sudden accelerations or decelerations) can lower your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. By driving more smoothly, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save money on gas.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save money on gas. Remember to always drive safely