Increasing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is not only a prudent decision, but also a crucial necessity in the current era of fluctuating fuel prices and growing environmental awareness. Maximizing your vehicle mileage can help you save money and the environment, whether you’re a daily commuter, planning a road trip, or simply trying to lower your carbon footprint.
However, most drivers purposefully decrease their fuel efficiency. Mistakes, whether they are related to routine maintenance or everyday driving practices, can build up rapidly.
Guess what? There is no need to switch to a hybrid or drastically alter your lifestyle to increase your vehicle mileage. You can get more mileage out of your current vehicle by making some smart changes.
Imagine being able to reduce the amount of money you spend on gasoline each month, ease the strain on your engine, and have a more pleasant ride with just a few easy adjustments that you can make in a few minutes.
No matter what kind of car you drive—a compact sedan or a full-size SUV—this blog delves deeply into practical, science-backed methods to increase your vehicle’s efficiency. Are you prepared to manage your fuel efficiency?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to ways to drive more efficiently, sustainably, and cheaply.
- Drive Smoothly & Avoid Hard-Acceleration
A lot more gas is used up when you accelerate quickly, brake aggressively, and switch lanes quickly. You can save gas and keep your engine and brakes in better condition by driving smoothly. Keep your speed consistent, look ahead for oncoming traffic, and coast to a halt if you can.
Use the cruise control to improve your vehicle mileage and maintain a steady speed on highways. The United States Department of Energy reports that aggressive driving reduces vehicle mileage by 10-15% in stop-and-go traffic and 10-15% on highways.
Being a calm, conscientious driver increases safety and saves gas.
- Maintain Adequate Tire Pressure
Your engine will have to work harder and use more gasoline if your tires are underinflated because of the increased rolling resistance. Even a few PSI below the acceptable range can drastically reduce your vehicle mileage.
Make sure to check your tire pressure before each long trip and at least once a month. Always use the manufacturer’s PSI recommendation, which is in your handbook or on the driver’s door.
In addition to extending the life of your tires, which in turn improves your vehicle’s performance and safety, keeping your tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 3 percent, according to the EPA.
- Maintain a Consistent Routine
Engines that are serviced regularly perform better. When you change the oil, replace the air filter, check the spark plugs, and clean the fuel system regularly, you can improve your vehicle’s mileage. Your engine has to work harder to get things done, which means more gas money spent on fuel.
For optimal engine performance, use the oil quality suggested by the manufacturer. An increase of four percent or more in vehicle mileage is possible with regular engine tuning and a properly functioning emissions system.
The time and effort put into preventative maintenance will pay dividends in the form of improved vehicle mileage and the longevity of your vehicle.
- Choose the Appropriate Motor Oil
Because it increases engine friction, using the incorrect motor oil reduces fuel economy. Use only the oil specified in your owner’s manual or by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
If you’re looking for motor oil with additives that reduce friction, look for the “Energy Conserving” label. Engine performance, wear, and fuel economy can all be enhanced with the correct oil.
Using the motor oil grade recommended by the manufacturer can increase vehicle mileage by 1-2%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Make just one little adjustment, and you’ll see steady, long-term savings on your vehicle.
- Decrease Time Spent Idling
Turing causes fuel and financial losses. Even while your car isn’t moving, fuel is being burned by a functioning engine. Compared to prolonged idling, modern automobiles consume less gasoline when restarting.
If you plan to stop or wait for more than a few minutes, it is advisable to turn off the engine.
In high-traffic areas, such as school drop-off zones or drive-thrus, this is crucial. More pollutants and needless engine wear are additional consequences of excessive idling.
Warming up a contemporary engine takes no more than 30 seconds, even in cold weather; longer warm-ups are wasteful and antiquated.
- Be Careful When Changing Gears in Manual Transmission Vehicles
Shifting gears at the right RPMs is essential for drivers of manual transmissions to achieve the best fuel efficiency. If you shift too soon or too late, your engine will have to work more, which means increased fuel consumption.
As a general rule, upshift as soon as you can without putting too much pressure on the engine, and don’t drive at high revs unless it’s required. Reduce fuel consumption by learning to match gears to speed and terrain.
Intelligent use of paddle shifters or gear selection can improve efficiency even in fully automatic vehicles with manual mode. Maintaining optimal engine performance is the goal of smart shifting.
- Make Use of Fuel-Efficient Driving Modes and Technologies
An option to maximize fuel economy is available on many newer automobiles in the form of “Eco Mode” or a comparable setting. To lower fuel consumption, these modes alter throttle responsiveness, gear shift positions, and occasionally even the temperature control settings.
In addition, some vehicles include start-stop systems that, when left idling, cut power to the engine but resume it as soon as the accelerator is pressed. You may improve your fuel economy by 5-10% just by using these options regularly.
Conclusion
Changing your driving habits and keeping up with routine maintenance can significantly increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. You may conserve gas, cut down on pollutants, and make your car last longer if you drive more smoothly, keep your tires at the recommended pressure, use the correct motor oil, and don’t let your car idle too much.
Modifications as little as shifting gears at the right time or switching to Eco Mode can make a big difference. These easy, science-backed tips can help you reduce your impact on the environment while driving any vehicle, from a tiny car to an SUV. In the long run, you’ll save money on gas and help the environment if you start using these ideas now.