If you find that your car doesn’t get the fuel economy it used to, you may be tempted to trade in your vehicle for a newer model, but don’t give up just yet. You can do simple things to improve your fuel economy and still drive the car you love. Here are four tips to help you improve fuel economy at home and on the road.
Reasons Why Your Car Consumes Too Much Gas
Some common reasons for bad fuel economy include speeding, tailgating, and car trouble. Also, be aware that fuel economy will suffer if you tow a heavy trailer. So if you’re experiencing poor gas mileage with your vehicle, check these factors first. Then you can try simple things to improve performance, such as lowering your speed, accelerating gradually, or changing your tires or rotors. Even if it doesn’t solve your problem entirely, you may see some improvement with these simple tips.
Driving Habits
Some of our habits behind the wheel are costing us money, hurting our cars, and contributing to pollution. So be sure you’re not committing any of these driving sins when it comes time to fill up:
- Frequent hard accelerations.
- Idling your car for long periods.
- Not using cruise control on long trips.
- Driving too fast or tailgating.
You can improve your fuel economy by tracking how much gas you use over a month, then finding ways to reduce consumption — maybe even cutting back on unnecessary trips.
Improper Maintenance
One of the most common reasons for low fuel economy is a neglected maintenance schedule. If you’re not experiencing poor fuel economy but you don’t remember when your last tune-up was, it’s probably time for one. Car experts suggest getting your car tuned up every 10,000 miles if you are driving an older vehicle to keep everything in good working order. In addition, you should consult your owner’s manual for a complete maintenance schedule.
Frequent Driving in Stop-and-Go Traffic
We’ve all been there: The long line of cars creeping through rush hour traffic, drivers often tempted to merge into another lane and speed around everyone else. But when you’re caught in heavy stop-and-go traffic, your engine has to constantly rev up and slow down (ever notice how your car seems to stall in between those red lights?). All that extra stopping and starting uses more gas than highway driving. It’s also bad for your engine — especially if you ignore common recommendations such as keeping tires properly inflated or not letting your engine idle too long while warming up in cold weather. Explore taking a different route or altering your departure time to avoid rush-hour traffic if possible.
Bad Tires
Bad tires affect fuel economy in two main ways: They require more energy for acceleration and braking, and they affect how far you can go on a gallon of gas by causing drag as your car moves through air (which can reduce fuel economy by up to 3 percent). You can improve both things by buying new tires or getting them rotated regularly (check your owner’s manual for recommendations). When you buy new tires, look for something recommended for your vehicle and driving style. Check your car’s tire air pressure regularly as well.
If you notice that your car does not get the fuel economy it used to, don’t panic. You can take some simple steps to maximize your car’s efficiency. Follow the above guide, and if you still do not see an improvement in your car’s gas mileage, see your auto care professional.
