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Do You Know These Fuel Economy Hacks?
While you may not be able to control the gas prices or how far you’re driving each day (because school, practice, and work REALLY add up!), there are a few things you can do to save yourself some cash at the gas station. To save money at the pump, you need to know these fuel economy hacks!
1. Get Tune-Ups Consistently
Making sure your vehicle is running correctly is essential for saving money on fuel costs. Regular tune-ups help ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and you're not wasting fuel.
Getting a consistent tune-up is one of the most important things you can do to improve fuel economy. During a tune-up, your mechanic will check your vehicle's spark plugs, filters, and other components to ensure they are in good working order.
They can also check your vehicle's emission control system to ensure it is functioning correctly and not emitting any excess pollutants. Tune-ups also help improve your vehicle's performance, reliability, and safety. If you're looking to get the most out of your fuel economy, get a tune-up at least once a year or as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires can significantly reduce fuel economy, so check your tire pressure regularly and fill them up to the manufacturer's recommended level.
Having the correct tire pressure is essential for maximizing fuel economy. If your tires are under inflated, they will create more friction with the road, resulting in reduced fuel economy. It's essential to check your tire pressure regularly and fill them up to the manufacturer's recommended level. This can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door.
You can also check the owner's manual for the correct tire pressure. If your tires are overinflated, you should let some air out until the pressure is correct. Correct tire pressure can improve your vehicle's fuel economy by as much as 3%.
3. Drive Slower
Driving at lower speeds can significantly reduce your fuel consumption. Try to stay at or below the speed limit, and you'll be rewarded with increased fuel economy.
Keeping your speed at or below the speed limit can reduce the fuel your vehicle uses, resulting in increased fuel economy. The optimal speed for fuel efficiency is usually around 55-60 mph on the highway.
If driving in the city, avoid sudden decelerations, which can reduce fuel economy. Slower speeds also give you more time to react to traffic, which helps improve safety.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Idling your vehicle for more than 30 seconds uses more fuel than it does to restart the engine, so try to avoid it when you can.
Avoiding unnecessary idling is one of the best ways to improve fuel economy. Idling your vehicle for more than 30 seconds uses more fuel than it does to restart the engine, so it's essential to turn off your vehicle when you're stopped. I wouldn’t suggest this at stop lights or at the airport, but if you’re waiting for your kiddos in the pick-up line before the bell even rings or sitting out in a parking lot, you can avoid it!
If you know you will be stopped for a while, it's best to turn off your vehicle. You can also save fuel by avoiding traffic congestion, which can cause your vehicle to idle for extended periods. By avoiding unnecessary idling, you can save money on fuel costs and help the environment.
5. Combine Errands & Use A Route Map App
Combining errands into one trip can help reduce the fuel you use. This way, you only have to start and stop your vehicle once instead of multiple times.
Thanks to modern technology, there are now apps that can help you plan the most fuel-efficient route. These apps use GPS technology to calculate the fastest and most fuel-efficient route to your destination. They consider factors like traffic and road conditions to determine the best route. Some apps even allow you to compare different routes to see which one will save you the most fuel.
This can be especially helpful when you're traveling long distances. By planning the most fuel-efficient route, you can save money on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
6. Use Cruise Control
When driving on the highway, try to use the cruise control as much as possible. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed and uses less fuel than if you were accelerating and decelerating.
Using cruise control is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed and uses less fuel than if you were accelerating and decelerating. When driving on the highway, try to use the cruise control as much as possible. It's also important to monitor your speed and ensure you stay within the speed limit.
7. Use The Right Oil
Using the right oil for your vehicle can help reduce friction in the engine, resulting in improved fuel economy. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil type.
Using the right oil for your vehicle can help improve your fuel economy. Different vehicles require different oil types, so check your owner's manual for the recommended oil type. Using the wrong oil can reduce fuel economy due to increased friction in the engine.
Synthetic oils can also help improve fuel economy, as they are designed to reduce friction and provide better lubrication. Make sure to use the right oil for your vehicle, and you'll be rewarded with improved fuel economy.
Visit Us At Autotrend
We can help you with your oil changes and more here at Autotrend Diagnostics! Here’s what one of our customers said about our oil change services:
“Great service, made my appointment online which was super easy. Great customer service and an absolutely fair price for maintenance inspection, oil change, and wheel alignment. I’ll definitely be coming back regularly.” -- Adam S.
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