Whether you drive a newer or seasoned vehicle, knowing how to get better gas mileage is crucial to your car ownership. It can impact both your wallet and the environment. You can significantly improve your gas mileage by adopting smarter driving habits and maintaining your vehicle correctly.
This is particularly important because gas prices fluctuate for several reasons — which we have no control over. However, you can practice effective driving techniques and ensure that your vehicle is maintained correctly to get the most out of every tank.
Driving Tips for Fuel Efficiency
Improving your fuel efficiency saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint. Although you can check your car's likely fuel economy, adopting a few smart driving habits can significantly impact fuel consumption and boost mpg. The following are a few practical tips on how to drive more efficiently:
- Avoid idling excessively: Allowing your car to idle consumes fuel without your vehicle ever moving. Turn off your engine if you expect to remain stationary for longer than 30 seconds to a minute. This simple action can save fuel and reduce your overall emissions.
- Accelerate and brake smoothly: Sudden and rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Gradually increasing or decreasing your speed can help maintain better fuel efficiency. This can reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle.
- Maintain a consistent speed: Repeatedly changing speeds can decrease your fuel efficiency. Instead, use a light foot on the accelerator and keep a constant speed, especially on highways where you're likely traveling further.
- Use cruise control on highways: Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed. This can improve fuel efficiency on lengthy drives and reduces the need for frequent acceleration and deceleration.
- Plan your routes efficiently: To reduce your time driving and fuel consumption, you should plan your trips. Try to batch your errands and trips and use the shortest and least congested route.
- Watch and anticipate conditions: Monitor the road and cars ahead and avoid unnecessary stops and starts. For instance, try not to rush to busy traffic lights only to lose your momentum after needing to come to a complete stop.
- Drive during off-peak hours: If you can drive before or after rush hour traffic. This will help prevent constant idling and reduce the number of stops and starts. Both of these can drastically impact your fuel consumption.
- Reduce vehicle load: It is best to unload your car of any items you will not need on that trip. Increased load means your vehicle requires more fuel to accelerate and maintain a constant speed.
- Limit air conditioning: Reconsider how much you use your vehicle's air conditioning. Instead, consider switching to the built-in ventilation system or rolling down your windows when traveling at slower speeds.
- Use higher gears when possible: When it is safe and practical to do so, you should switch to a higher gear — if driving a manual. Doing this helps reduce the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) and, subsequently, fuel consumption.
Maintenance Tips for How to Improve Fuel Efficiency
One of the key ways how to improve car mileage is to ensure that you follow a regular maintenance plan. Doing this allows you to keep your vehicle running efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. You can ensure your car operates at its best if you stay on top of these maintenance tips. This will save you money on fuel and help extend the life of your vehicle. Consider implementing the following maintenance tips:
- Have regular engine tune-ups: Having regular engine tune-ups helps to keep your car running smoothly. Have your vehicle serviced and repaired at an Approved Auto Repair (AAR) shop. These services can include checking the ignition system, fuel system and other essential components. You should also watch your car's engine warning lights that help point out when something is wrong.
Keep tires properly inflated: You should always keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Underinflated tires create resistance, which causes your car to use more fuel than necessary. It is crucial to understand your car's tires and their various aspects, including the specifications, amount of tread and tire pressure.
- Ensure proper wheel alignment: This works with your brakes and suspension system. Misaligned wheels will cause your vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. Wheel alignment should be checked at every oil change or at the first sign of misalignment. The goal is to have your car driving straight, and there should be no pulling toward the left or right.
- Use the recommended motor oil: It is crucial to use the motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Doing so can improve fuel efficiency, among many other benefits. High-quality and low-viscosity oil is typically the best at reducing friction in the engine. A good oil helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.
- Replace air filters regularly: A clean and unobstructed air filter is crucial, as your vehicle needs a good mix of air and fuel to run properly. A clean air filter lets your engine breathe properly, improving fuel economy. Check your air filter and replace it if it is clogged with dirt or damaged. Additionally, follow your vehicle's maintenance plan to know when to replace it.
- Check and replace spark plugs: If you have dirty, worn or corroded spark plugs, they can cause misfires and reduce fuel efficiency. Regularly inspecting and replacing old spark plugs can help keep your engine running smoothly without ignition issues.
- Use a higher-grade fuel: It is essential to understand the quality of gas that you put in your vehicle. Depending on your car, higher-grade fuel can improve your engine's performance and fuel economy. You should check your owner's manual or consult the manufacturer to see whether your vehicle can benefit from premium fuel.
- Check your battery and replace it if needed: A weak or failing battery can put a lot of extra strain on your engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Regularly checking your battery's condition and knowing when to replace a battery is crucial to ensuring optimal vehicle performance. Be sure to get your battery replaced by a certified and committed provider of quality batteries.
- Keep the cooling system in check: An efficient cooling system prevents your engine from overheating, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. It is wise to check the coolant levels and inspect the radiator and hoses for leaks or damage.
- Regularly check for leaks and repairs: Fuel, oil, water and coolant leaks can drastically reduce your vehicle efficiency and cause damage over time. You should inspect your vehicle regularly for leaks and address any necessary repairs promptly. This helps maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Get a AAA Central Penn Membership Today
Fuel economy has become a highly topical point in recent years. When you're looking for auto services that provide more than 24/7 roadside assistance, look to AAA Central Penn. Your membership comes with several perks, including AAA discounts, insurance, financial services, travel benefits and much more.
We offer various AAA membership options to fit varying budgets and needs. Be sure to get your membership today or gift someone with one and ensure they are covered with the same incredible perks.
