With the rising cost of gasoline, investing in a fuel-efficient vehicle is becoming increasingly sensible. According to a study by J.D. Power and Associates, around 15% of new car buyers reject a model due to poor gas mileage. Nearly 40% of those who eliminate a full-size SUV due to gas mileage concerns end up purchasing a midsize SUV instead, while about 20% opt for a different model altogether. But even if you don't currently own a fuel-efficient car, there are numerous ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your current vehicle until you're ready to make a switch. Your driving habits significantly impact your fuel consumption and costs. Here are some tips to help you manage your vehicle's operating costs and minimize emissions.
First, you need to know your car's current mileage. Calculate this by filling up your tank and recording the odometer reading, or reset your trip gauge to zero. The next time you refuel, fill the tank again and divide the miles traveled by the gallons of gas used. This will give you your car's miles per gallon (mpg). If the result is less than satisfactory, here are some strategies to turn your fuel guzzler into a fuel saver:
The aerodynamic drag on your car increases significantly with speed. At 70 mph, the drag force is about double that at 50 mph. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. Each 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer for everyone.
Every time you accelerate, you use energy, some of which is wasted when you slow down again. By maintaining a constant speed, especially at the posted speed limit, you will improve your fuel efficiency. Increasing your highway cruising speed from 62 mph to 74 mph can increase fuel consumption by about 20%. Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a constant speed and usually saves gas.
Aggressive driving—speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking—wastes gas. These habits can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in the city. Reasonable driving is safer for you and others, potentially saving more than just gas money. Consider using overdrive gears on the highway to decrease engine speed, reducing fuel usage and engine wear.
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon and wastes fuel and money, is hard on the engine, and adds to toxic emissions. Larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than smaller ones. Turn off your engine if you think you will be stopped for more than 30 seconds. However, if you're driving a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid, your electric motor is on when you idle, so you're not wasting any gas at all.
Using your air conditioner in hot weather can increase your fuel consumption by more than 20% in city driving. Whenever possible, close all windows and use the air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning. You will improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing the use of air conditioning and using your car's flow-through ventilation, especially on the highway. If you must use the air conditioning, set the controls to a level that lets the system cycle, and turn it off once the interior of the car is cooled down enough. Also, consider options like a sunroof and tinted glass to keep the car cool.
Maintaining your vehicle in top working condition saves you fuel and money and reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimizing harmful emissions.
Regular tune-ups can improve gas mileage by about 4%. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor and you have it fixed, gas mileage could improve by as much as 40%. Make sure the spark plugs are firing properly, replacing them when necessary. Have the engine timing checked for accuracy.
Replacing a clogged air filter could improve a car's gas mileage by as much as 10%. Additionally, it will protect your engine from impurities. Change this more often if you live in a dusty climate, drive on dirt or gravel roads, or if you drive off-road for fun.
Your gas mileage can increase by about 3.3% if you keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. It takes more effort and gas for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a correctly inflated one, which provides less road resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Beware of over-inflation, which can lead to handling problems and uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure regularly, looking for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure if there is a sharp change in temperature, as cold weather decreases air pressure in the tires.
Fuel efficiency can improve by 1-2% if you use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Also, if you change your own oil, look for motor oil rated as "Energy Conserving" to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Choose the correct octane gas for your car by checking your owner's manual. It's not necessary to buy the "super" high-octane gas unless your car manufacturer recommends it or your engine knocks without it. While you won't harm the engine, you will be paying more than you need to, as premium gas sells for an average of 17 cents more per gallon than regular gas. Only about 6% of cars sold in the U.S. need premium gas, according to the AAA. Also, avoid topping off your gas tank, as fuel expansion in warmer weather can cause an overflow, wasting precious fuel.
Combining errands to do together and in similar areas saves time and money. Several short trips starting from a cold engine can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip that covers the same distance when the engine is warmed up. With a little advance planning, you can avoid high-traffic areas, road construction, retracing your route, and ultimately reduce the distance you travel while running errands. You'll not only save on fuel but also reduce wear and tear on your car.
If you can alternate your work hours to avoid rush hour, you'll spend less time sitting in traffic and burn up less fuel. For stop-and-go traffic, drive your best gas mileage car if you own more than one vehicle. Consider telecommuting (working from home) when your job permits. If you can, participate in carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns sharing driving with others.
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and helps out when you have a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack decreases fuel efficiency by 5%. Reduce wind resistance and increase your fuel efficiency by putting objects inside the trunk when possible. Also, remove any unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, as an extra 100 lbs. in the trunk reduces a car's fuel efficiency by about 1-2%.
By adopting these strategies, you can significantly improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. For more detailed information on fuel-efficient driving and vehicle maintenance, visit FuelEconomy.gov.
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