Did you know that a vehicle can burn up to 30% more fuel if proper maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule? Instead of searching for miraculous fuel-saving products, we recommend that consumers consider taking one or more of the no cost or low-cost actions that can help drivers save on gas consumption.
Here are 8 ways to help you get better fuel mileage for your car:
Make sure your vehicle is up to date on regularly scheduled maintenance
Staying on top of car maintenance is perhaps the best way to ensure that you’re getting the absolute most out of every gallon. This specifically includes getting regular oil changes. Oil becomes thicker as it ages, and the thicker it becomes, the more energy it robs from your engine. This causes your car to lose fuel consumption. Osceola Garage offers maintenance specials and services for all makes and models. Yes, we can service your new car too. Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4%
Check engine light on? You’re wasting gas
The check engine light is a warning light. It’s your car’s onboard computer letting you know that something may be wrong with your car. This also means it’s not operating at its peak performance and wasting fuel.
Check engine air filter at least once a year and replace if necessary
The engine requires a flow of fresh air coming into the system. What happens is, the air will mix with the gasoline to create the energy spark that puts the wheels in motion. Reduced air flow from a dirty or clogged filter will consume more gas needlessly. Replacing a clogged filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%
Check tire pressure
Keeping tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3%. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Under-inflated tires burn more fuel. If tires are under inflated, rolling resistance of the tires increases by 5% or more.
Remove unnecessary weight from your car
If you do not need something, do not pack it. Remove roof racks if not needed, as they create wind drag. The lighter the load, the lower the fuel consumption and emissions. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy up to 2%.
Do not speed
Obey the law and save on gas. Drive more efficiently by staying within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 50 mph. Each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.25 per gallon for gas, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.
Don’t let your car idle unnecessarily
Idling gets zero miles per gallon and consumes half-a-gallon to one gallon of gas per hour. The modern engine will consume less fuel turning off and re-starting than idling for extended periods. To effectively warm an engine, drive it, don’t rev it. Engines only work hard under load and will warm up much quicker if you simply start the engine, wait for 20 seconds, (this builds the oil pressure,) and drive away.
Accelerate smoothly
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and stops and accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear on your car.
You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you waste. Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance at a certified car care center, like Osceola Garage, can save you as much as $1,200 per year on fuel costs for your vehicle. Talk with us about how to protect and extend the life and performance of your car in the most cost effective way. Stop by or give us a call today at 845-628-7900