These days, budgeting for gas can be as lofty a goal as budgeting for a new car payment. A necessity that sometimes stings a little, putting gas in your car is not an option if you’re driving to and from your job, or driving your kids to school every day. Even if you’re driving just a few miles for these daily routines, a few miles easily adds up. With that being the case, it helps to learn what you can do to increase fuel efficiency so that you’re putting gas in your car a little less often.
Accelerate Slowly
Nothing guzzles your gas like when you put the pedal to the floor. The faster you accelerate, the harder your engine has to push against a resistant wind. Once you get going, try not to speed. Going over 60 mph is a great way to reduce your fuel efficiency; in fact, speeds over 60 mph will reduce fuel efficiency by over 30%
Avoid Idling in Traffic
It may feel like sitting in traffic is fine on gas mileage since you’re not guzzling gas trying to zoom past cars, but idling is actually just as bad on your gas mileage. For this reason, do your best to avoid congested traffic routes during the week. If at all possible, cut the car off if you’re going to be sitting for extended periods of time, like in a carpool line. While we’re discussing stop and go traffic, avoid using the air conditioning when you’re rolling, stopping, and rolling and stopping again, as it causes your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Have Properly Inflated Tires
Common sense indicates that cars will drive easier, more smoothly, and with minimal resistance if tires have been blown up to hold the appropriate amount of air. Tires lose about 1 PSI per month, so it’s recommended that you check monthly to determine if you need more or less air. Keep in mind that temperatures will cause a deflation or inflation, so during the hottest and coldest part of the year, consider monitoring twice a month.
Tune Up the Engine
Keeping your engine tuned will ensure maximum power and can greatly enhance fuel efficiency. In this process, be sure that the engine air filter is clean, because a dirty filter (caused by dust, dirt and road grime) will reduce your gas mileage. Always make sure oxygen sensors and engine control systems are working correctly and in good shape, as often this is a huge factor in getting great gas mileage. A damaged sensor causing incorrect fuel mixture may decrease gas mileage by a whopping 25%.
Find the “Sweet Speed”
All cars actually get better gas mileage at specific speeds. Depending on the car, this is usually around 45-50 mph. The sweet speed is simply the minimum speed at which the car is running in its highest gear. Once you find your sweet speed, select your routes accordingly to maintain that speed for your drives as best as possible.
Saving money with fuel efficiency is definitely a possibility if you are proactive in making sure that your car is driven and taken care of the way it was created to be.
