Fuel efficiency is a major area of concern for all car owners, regardless of the make and model of their vehicle. And as environmental concerns take center stage, the need for better fuel economy is the need of the hour.
One of the best ways of ensuring better fuel efficiency and overall health for your car is preventive maintenance. This means you’ll have more money to put towards things that really matter!
To know more about how you can maximize fuel efficiency, continue reading.
Check your Tire Pressure on a Routine Basis
Driving with under-inflated tires can put more pressure on the engine and lead to faster fuel consumption. If your tires don’t have the recommended tire pressure, then the turning resistance of the tires increases, and you might end up making more runs to the gas station.
- We recommend you check your tire pressure once a month or at least once every two months.
- You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car in your owner’s manual.
Replace Your Air Filter as Recommended
If you live in dry, arid areas with a lot of dust, then you might need to check and replace your air filter more often. Replacing the air filter is based either on years, or it could be mileage based. Either way, for the best replacement schedule, check your owner’s manual.
Check the Health of Your Engine
During preventive maintenance, your car technician will conduct a complete examination of your car engine.
Some of the tasks such as replacing the oxygen and fuel filters or changing the spark plugs or even replacing any other damaged components will keep your car engine running in good condition and help maximize your fuel economy.
Ensure Your Battery Cables are Corrosion-Free
Corroded battery cables again are a top factor for reduced fuel economy. If the batter cables are corroded, then the alternator will function under greater stress – leading to increased gas consumption levels.
If you are comfortable checking the battery cables by yourself, go ahead. If not, your car service technician will examine your car engine and check the batter cables for damage from corrosion when you take your car for routine preventive maintenance.
Idling Eats Up Gas
Turning your car off and on between stops will help in conserving gas. The amount of gas your car burns can be substantial when idling for long periods of time. Make sure the idling period does not extend to more than a minute. If you must stop for longer than a minute, it is best to turn off your car engine.
Always Use the Recommended Octane Gas and Motor Oil
Make sure you check your owner’s manual for the recommended motor oil and gas. Premium gas does not necessarily lead to improved levels of vehicle performance.
Keep in mind that only certain car models need premium gas – so if your owner’s manual does not specify otherwise, stick to the recommended grade of motor oil and gas for better fuel economy.
Improve Your Driving Habits
While the above-mentioned tips are a part of preventive maintenance and overall car health car, another factor which impacts your fuel economy is the way you drive.
Consider the following:
- Avoid driving on rough, bad roads.
- Drive in a smooth and steady manner – constant speeding and heavy braking can burn more fuel.
- Avoid tailgating – this ties back to the earlier point about avoiding constant speeding and heavy braking which can easily lead to increased fuel consumption.
- Revving the engine prior to turning the engine off is an action best avoided. When you rev the engine, not only are you wasting fuel, but the action will wash oil down from inside the cylinder walls, making them dry – impacting the next engine start-up.
- If you are in the habit of resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the pressure, even if it is very slight, can lead to an increase in the “mechanical drag” on various components within the engine, thereby leading to increased fuel consumption.
Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!
Are you looking for a reliable and professional car service for your car? If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for professional maintenance service or for a speedy resolution to all your car troubles. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at convenience.