Ways to Improve the Fuel Efficiency of Your Vehicle

The fuel efficiency of a car or truck depends largely on how it is maintained and driven. Although it may seem as if there aren’t many ways to reduce fuel costs, there are various ways you can increase the gas mileage of your vehicle. In fact, driving in a fuel-efficient way and following a car maintenance schedule can save you hundreds of dollars every year. In this article, we’ll discuss various fuel efficiency tips to reduce your car’s fuel consumption and save costs.

Check the Wheel Alignment

When wheels are out of alignment, it’s difficult to improve fuel efficiency as the wheels will have a tendency to drag to one side, which causes friction between your vehicle and the road. The end result is your engine having to work harder. Not only does this impact your fuel efficiency, but it also causes your tires to wear out much faster.

The main sign of misalignment is vibration in the steering wheel. It’s usually best to have your wheels balanced and rotated if the steering wheel is vibrating as this will improve the performance of your car and help you get more out of your tank of gas.

Reduce Unnecessary Weight

Leave any extra items at home as the more weight you have in your car, the lower the fuel efficiency will be. In fact, you can improve fuel efficiency by 1% if you reduce 100 pounds of weight in your trunk, according to the US Department of Energy. Although rooftop cargo boxes like the Yakima Rocketbox are convenient and provide ample storage space, they can increase the wind resistance of your car. It’s therefore best to remove any external cargo when it’s not in use as this will save fuel and money.

Replace Worn Spark Plugs

One of the most effective fuel efficiency tips is to replace spark plugs that are worn out. The reason for this is that old spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, resulting in a reduction of fuel efficiency of up to 30%. Replacing worn spark plugs can significantly improve the fuel efficiency of your car. If you notice symptoms of worn spark plugs such as a misfiring engine, poor fuel efficiency, or your car is difficult to start, it may be an indication that new spark plugs are needed.

Utilize Cruise Control

It’s best to use cruise control if you’re on a highway or any road that has free-flowing traffic. Cruise control restricts any unnecessary acceleration or deceleration which helps save a considerable amount of fuel while you’re on the road. In contrast, studies have revealed that fluctuating your speed from about 46 to 53 miles per hour every 18 seconds can increase your fuel consumption by 20%.

Check Tire Pressure

Checking your car’s tire pressure regularly can help improve fuel efficiency. Many essential aspects of a vehicle can be affected by driving with under-inflated tires including increased fuel consumption, wear and tear on tires, as well as reduced braking and steering capabilities. On the other hand, over-inflated tires are also hazardous as they decrease traction and cause increased wear at the center of the tire. Fuel efficiency tips like checking your tire pressure regularly can help save considerable costs on fuel. Most cars have an adhesive label on the driver’s door that recommends tire pressure.

Replace Your Air Filter

Clogged or dirty air filters tend to reduce the performance of your vehicle and decrease fuel efficiency. To counteract this and improve fuel efficiency, it’s best to have your air filters checked and replace them if necessary. It’s generally advisable to replace your air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to maintain an optimal level of performance in your vehicle. However, this may vary if you frequently drive in dusty conditions.

Vehicle Maintenance

The parts of your car work closely together and if there is any accumulation of dirt, wear and tear, or corrosion, it can make it difficult for your vehicle to be fuel efficient. For this reason, servicing your car regularly is a recommended way to improve fuel efficiency. In between scheduled services, it’s also advisable to check aspects like tire pressure, unnecessary cargo, wheel alignment, and air filters to enhance gas mileage

In Summary

Making use of aspects like cruise control on open roads is one of our fuel efficiency tips that saves costs, particularly on longer journeys. In addition, safety aspects like gas struts from Lift Supports depot will ensure optimal efficiency. Among others, popular lift supports include Honda struts, Toyota struts, and Strong Arm lift supports are available at Lift Supports Depot. Get rid of your headache now and order reliable gas springs from Lift Supports Depot today.