Have you noticed your vehicle’s gas mileage is suddenly not up to par? This poor fuel economy may be attributed to several factors. While some issues are easily fixable, others may require an automotive technician’s expertise. When trying to optimize your vehicle’s fuel economy, here are six things to consider and measures to take.
1. Check Your Car’s Air Filters
A dirty or clogged air filter may attribute to your poor gas mileage. If you haven’t had a professional check out your air filters, the time may be right to do so. Your service technician can easily change out your old dirty air filters with new ones. You may notice a difference in your gas mileage after the new air filters have been installed, so ask your technician about this.
2. Bring Your Vehicle In for a Tune-Up
Poor fuel economy may be a result of engine tune-up issues. The safe way to correct this is to consult your auto technician. A tune-up may be necessary. They may examine spark plugs and fuel injectors and replace parts as needed.
A tune-up should be a part of your routine vehicle maintenance, and your technician can inform you of how often this service should be done.
3. Assess Your Driving Habits
How fast do you tend to accelerate while driving? If you exert a lot of hard pressure on the pedal, this will require more fuel in order to accelerate. What is a simple solution?
Simply go lighter on the pedal and don’t accelerate too hard and too often. If you accelerate lightly, you may notice your vehicle’s fuel economy improves somewhat. Also, try to slow down by coasting rather than braking abruptly, and don’t rev the engine as this may also attribute to poor gas mileage. Idling the engine is another factor that may be a contributor to bad fuel economy.
As another helpful tip, try to maintain a consistent speed while driving. Doing so may help you conserve fuel. If your car is equipped with cruise control, you might want to use this option while driving on the highway.
4. Check the Air Pressure of Your Tires
Low air pressure in a vehicle’s tires is an easy fix, but this is often overlooked. If your car’s tires don’t have proper inflation, they need more fuel to move. Low air pressure in the tires wastes fuel, and in addition, may cause poor alignment. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations or consult your auto technician.
5. Use the Air Conditioning Sparingly
If you constantly run your car’s air conditioning, you will most likely notice a drop in gas mileage. While you may inevitably need to run the car’s air conditioning on very hot and humid days, turn it off when you don’t need it. Open the windows instead to conserve fuel.
6. Don’t Use Your Vehicle to Haul Cargo
Take heed of a simple rule and lighten up the load in your car for better gas mileage. If you load up your car with heavy cargo, the engine must work harder and use more fuel. Less weight in your car may improve your gas mileage.
By the same token, have a look at the roof of your car. Have you attached a roof rack or bicycle on top? Doing so also attributes to the weight and makes your tank guzzle more gas.
If following the above measures does not seem to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage, stop into your automotive center today. Consult your expert service technician for advice. If your vehicle requires replacement parts, don’t delay, as this may make a significant difference.
