Regular maintenance and good driving habits can improve fuel efficiency, even without buying a new car. Proper tire inflation, clean air filters, and avoiding aggressive driving can save up to 10% on fuel costs.
As gas prices rise higher and higher each year, many people are beginning to gain a solid perspective on how making their vehicle more fuel efficient can affect their budget. Regardless of the price of gas, efficient fuel consumption practices are important to both the economy and the environment.
Obviously, the best thing to do would be to buy a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle, like a hybrid, but that’s not particularly practical advice for many. When you can’t afford a new car, there are several steps you can take to make the vehicle you drive now more fuel efficient.
Regular and proper routine maintenance is one way to make your vehicle use fuel more efficiently. Start by keeping your tires properly inflated. Tire inflation can affect fuel efficiency. Improperly inflated tires, as well as improper wheel alignment, can cause rolling resistance, which can cause a vehicle to lose up to one or two miles per gallon of fuel. Check your tire inflation regularly and keep it within the range specified by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
A vehicle also saves more fuel with a clean air filter. Clogged and dirty air filters allow too much gas to burn for the amount of air and causes the engine to lose power. A clean air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent. You should consider changing your air filter with every oil change or just learning how to do it yourself.
Other routine maintenance measures that can improve fuel efficiency include changing fouled spark plugs, regular tune-ups, and using a properly fitting gas cap. If you’re unfamiliar with routine vehicle maintenance, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find a mechanic you can trust.
Good driving habits can also help improve fuel efficiency. Avoid quick starts and stops and eliminate aggressive driving or driving over the speed limit. Gas mileage begins to drop above 60 miles per hour. Using cruise control on the highways can also make your trip more fuel efficient. Additional tips that improve fuel efficiency while driving include avoiding carrying unnecessary weight and reducing A/C use where possible.
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