Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Given the general state of the economy and the uncertainty of fuel prices, it only makes sense to do everything you can to maximize the fuel economy of your vehicles. There are several small changes you can make to improve gas mileage and increase the efficiency of your engine. While none of these methods will dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of your car, the combination of these techniques can yield at least an eight to fifteen percent increase in fuel economy. The increase will depend on other factors such as the age of your car and environmental factors.

One technique that can not only help with gas mileage, but also make you a safer driver overall, is to obey the speed limit. Driving over the speed limit usually decreases gas mileage. For long trips it is generally a good idea to use cruise control, particularly on long highway stretches that allow you to maintain constant speed. When driving in town, avoid quick or unnecessary acceleration and quick stops. It is generally better for fuel economy, if you remove all excess weight from the storage area of your car and remove equipment racks when you are not using them. The wind resistance, caused by equipment racks and extra weight in the storage area, can both lower your gas mileage.

Adherence to an appropriate maintenance schedule can also improve your car's fuel efficiency. You should perform tune-ups, oil changes, and tire checks on a regular schedule. Most cars should have the oil changed at least every five thousand miles, and be sure that the right grade and weight of oil is used. If you have your car serviced by a mechanic, always check the oil yourself within a day. Some mechanics fail to fill the reservoir to the proper level, which can cause your engine to overheat and seize. You should also schedule regular tune-ups for your car. For tune-ups you do not have to follow the recommendations in your owner's manual rigidly, but you should not go much longer than two or three years between tune-ups. It really depends on the driving conditions and the age of your car. Some recommendation for tune-ups are only once every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and while you can usually wait that long, your car will run more efficiently and your engine will last longer if you have your car tuned up more frequently.

One thing you should do about once a month is check the pressure on all your tires. An improperly inflated tire causes the tires to wear out faster and causes extra friction against the pavement, which can impede fuel economy. You should also have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear on the treads.

New studies show that installing a new air filter on most newer fuel injected cars will not directly improve fuel economy. Replacing a clogged air filter, however, can improve acceleration times. You don't need to change the air filter every time you change the oil, but should have a new air filter installed at least every third or fourth oil change.

These simple techniques can help you improve the efficiency of your car's engine, increase the car's gas mileage, and make the engine last longer. In addition to saving you a lot of money in the long run, it is also important for the environment to maximize gas mileage and engine efficiency. Using less gas saves you money and produces less pollution. Proper maintenance and good driving practices can make your car run more efficiently and also make you a safer driver.