Improving Fuel Economy With Good Driving Techniques - Vol.277
Many people believe that buying a fuel efficient vehicle is all you have to do to enjoy excellent fuel economy, unfortunately that's only part of it. There are certain things that many of us do (or don't do) everyday that can greatly decrease our fuel economy, and likewise there are some things we can do to greatly improve our fuel economy.
Some of these are simple things that many of us may not even know are effecting our vehicle's fuel economy. Below are some tips that will help you get the best fuel economy possible from your vehicle
Vehicle Maintenance
This is very important not only does it affect your fuel economy, but it also affects the longevity or the lifetime of your vehicle. The following are some normal vehicle maintenance items that affect fuel economy.
Regular Oil Changes:Consult your owners manual and get your oil changed at the recommended intervals, and use the type of oil listed.
Tires:Ensure that your tires are in good shape, the proper size, and have the correct amount of air according to manufacturer's specs.
Air Filter:Check your air filter and replace when necessary. A dirty and clogged air filter essentially suffocates your engine.
Spark Plugs And Wires:Check or have these checked to ensure they are in good shape and functioning properly.
When you take your vehicle in for an oil change you can have them inspect your vehicle, then they will tell you what needs to be replaced. A well maintained vehicle enjoys considerably higher fuel economy.
Use The Correct Fuel
Consult your owners manual and use only the fuel that it recommends. This is the fuel type your engine is designed to run on at peak efficiency. Using a higher grade of fuel than recommended will not increase the fuel economy or performance of your vehicle, it will simply cost you more money on fuel.
Unnecessary Weight And Roof Mounted Cargo Bins
Remove unneeded and bulky items from your vehicle, every hundred pound of extra or unnecessary weight can cause you to lose almost 2% in fuel economy. Avoid using roof mounted cargo bins when possible, or remove them when not in use. These containers can cause you to lose as much as 25% in fuel economy depending on driving speed.
Don't Leave Your Vehicle Running
Shut your vehicle off when you are parked when possible. Allowing your vehicle to idle while parked, especially with the air conditioning going can waste as much as a ? gallon of fuel every hour.
Maintain A Consistent Speed
Maintaining a smooth and consistent speed while driving will increase your fuel economy. Utilizing your vehicle's cruise control is an easy way to do this. It will keep the flow of fuel even and prevent it from fluctuating due to foot movement on the accelerator.
Slow Down, And Avoid Aggressive Driving
Every vehicle has a speed at which peak fuel efficiency is achieved, but typical fuel economy starts to drop beyond 50 mph, So follow the posted speed limit and do not go any faster then necessary.
Avoid aggressive driving, abrupt braking or increases in speed, Weaving in and out of traffic, and even cornering or turning too sharply or quickly can greatly decrease your vehicle's fuel economy, not to mention it can be unsafe for you and other drivers.
Understanding your vehicle and the factors that affect its performance will go a long way to your vehicle's fuel efficiency. These are just some of the things you can do, or avoid doing, that will not only increase your vehicle's fuel economy, but will also increase the lifetime of your vehicle.