Ten things that will increase the fuel economy of your vehicle

Ten things that will increase the fuel economy of your vehicle

Fuel prices surge upwards and show no sign of coming down, many people begin to wonder what can be done to save on fuel. there are a few things that can still be done to increase fuel economy. Here are ten things that you can do to save on fuel:

1. Filling up your tank properly.
This simply means try to avoid filling your tank to its maximum capacity. If the car becomes overheated, or if you are driving up a slope, then a tank which is filled to its maximum capacity will cause your fuel to drip onto the road where it can be dangerous (on rainy days, this will cause the road to be more slippery, and is a form of pollution).

On days where the temperature is high, try to fill your tank during the mornings or late afternoons where the temperature is cooler (since fuel will expand on hot days). This will allow you to have more fuel for your money, as well as preventing dangerous and costly run-off of wasted fuel.

2. Remove unnecessary weight from your car.
Did you know that for each 400 pounds that you carry in your car, this will mean 3-4 miles less that you can travel per gallon of fuel?

3. Amend your driving technique to increase fuel economy
• Drive at a conservative pace. If you vary your speed in anticipation of the road ahead you can save up to 25% of fuel. Make sure that any speed increases you make every time you press the accelerator are not cancelled out by having to slow down for a car in front of you, traffic light, or stop sign.

• Try to avoid making complete stops. By reducing your speed, rather than making a complete stop in anticipation of the traffic conditions ahead, you will be able to both conserve fuel as well as braking power.

• Start up slowly. When starting up from a complete stop, try to accelerate slowly. Accelerating at a conservative pace will carry you twice as much distance as racing ahead.

• Increase speed when approaching a hill. The temporary increase in speed will mean more momentum to push the car partially up the hill.

• Use downward momentum to your advantage. Rather than using the accelerator, use the downward momentum of your car to carry your vehicle further. However, only do this if it is safe to do so.

• Avoid having to change lanes frequently. When changing lanes, often you will need to accelerate to pass the car in front of you, and then use the slow down once you return to the lane. If done frequently, this can decrease fuel economy by up to 20-30%.

4. Use the air vents instead of windows.
Driving with open windows increase the drag on your car due to wind. This means the car will have to expend more power in order to move forward, and thus resulting in increased fuel consumption. Also avoid using the air conditioner if possible as this will also mean more fuel consumed.

5. Avoid warming up your car excessively.
Warming up your car in the morning means that you are using fuel to travel a grand total of 0 miles, and in the meantime also unnecessarily polluting the air around you.

6. Purchase a Hybrid vehicle.
Hybrid cars can clock upwards of 55 miles per gallon. This can often mean you will be able to increase fuel economy, and a possible monetary saving of around 25% - 35%.

7. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated.
Flat tires are a sure way to waste fuel as they can reduce the distance covered per gallon by as much as one mile.

8. Reduce wind resistance of your car.
A great way to do this is to make sure your car is waxed. This will allow wind to glide over your car easily, and thus reduce the drag on your vehicle.

9. Avoid using your car unnecessarily.
Driving with a cold engine can increase the amount of fuel consumed by as much as 60-70%, so try to make every trip count. In addition, by planning your trips, you may be able to cut down on the distance you will need to cover to do your shopping, get to work etc. Car pools are a great way to save on fuel going to work everyday.

10. Maintain your car regularly
The combined effects of the below suggestions will have a huge impact on the fuel economy of your car over time.

• Tune up your car regularly (especially the ignition system). A good tune-up by a qualified mechanic will save you fuel and extend the life of your vehicle.

• Make sure that the spark plugs are working properly (and that they are not misfiring). Misfiring spark plugs can possibly cost you 20% in mpg.

• Change dirty air filters (save 1 mph).

• Ensure your PCV valve is working appropriately.

• IMPORTANT: It is paramount that brakes are adjusted properly so that they do not drag along the wheel when your car is in motion. If your they are dragging along the wheel, then the car will demand more power when you are driving (to overcome the force of the brake). This can have major consequences in terms of fuel economy. To check that this is not happening to your car, jack up the tires and try to spin the wheel. If there is drag, then you will be able to feel it with your hand as you try to move the wheel.