10 Ways to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is something every driver is concerned about. This is why most people buy an electric hybrid car or opt for a subcompact. It is a well-known fact that if regular car maintenance is not given to a car, it will burn 30% more fuel. But not to worry because the utility of the fuel residing in the tank can be extended by the following 10 tips.
1- Keep an eye on your car’s suggested fuel type
A lot of people advise the premium gas over other types of fuel to inject in all cars. And since the stunt drivers, racers and even professionals advise the same, people readily adhere to their words. However, little do they know that only the respective car manufacturing company has the right and the knowledge to prescribe the type of fuel to feed the car. Therefore, always refer to the fuel mentioned in your manual even if it tells you to put the cheapest petrol.
2- Be easy on the pedal
As much as speeding the car is thrilling, it will play havoc on your plan to save fuel as riding the speed to a high level will destroy your fuel economy. Therefore, always drive on a medium speed and also do not apply brakes at the last minute as it puts pressure on the engine.
3- Inflate your tires with precision
If the pressure of the tires is low, the resistance of the tires on the ground surface will automatically increase. Sadly, not many people know about this. Therefore, never forget to inflate your tires to accurate pressure before driving.
4- Keep an eye on your car’s recommended motor oil
There are many different types of car oils out there in the market which promise you a better performance and gas mileage of the car. Some of these products have claimed to work but that doesn’t mean that they are compatible with your specific car type. Therefore, always use the list of motor oils written in the manual as they have been tested especially on your car model and trim.
5- Do not waste your engine on idling
Keeping your engine on and not actually driving will make you lose half a gallon to almost a gallon of fuel every hour which is disastrous to the fuel efficiency. The carbon dioxide released in the air during this time is also harmful to the environment. Therefore, always turn off your engine and then restart it again whenever you’re ready to drive as it will save you much fuel.
6- Refuel your car in the morning instead of night time
There is molecular science involved in this particular tip. All the petrol stations have underground storage tanks. Since the atmosphere of the early morning is relatively colder, the ground is cold as well. This means that petrol is dense at this time of the day. However, with the passage of time in the day, the temperature increases which expands the molecules of petroleum as a result. Therefore, if you add fuel later in the day, the gas will get expanded and the 1 gallon which you will add in the car won’t be actually 1 gallon at all. This is why you should try refueling your car in the early morning.
7- Fit an electric thermatic fan inside your car
In the old days, there were belt-driven fans which the modern cars have replaced with electric fans. However, in the rare case that a person is driving a vintage car, he will be deprived of this modern luxury. But that does not mean that you can not replace the old engine fan with more suitable electric thermatic units. This will eventually reduce the drag produced by belt drives.
8- Always replace your air filters
This is another crucial thing that car drivers are guilty of forgetting. Changing the air filters is one of the fastest, easiest and most practical method to increase gas mileage. Whether you change or clean the air filters, the vacuuming ability will be revived which will erase the debris and other particles that cause obstruction. however, if the air filters are not clean, the car’s engine will exert twice the power to get rid of debris which will automatically decrease fuel efficiency.
9- Do not bother the aftermarket solutions
Apart from using only the motor oil and fuel which is recommended by the manual, remember to not use any performance-enhancing solution in the engine. These may be popular and even seem to work, it might be hazardous to your car so refrain from using them.
10- Be mindful of the weight
Many people squeeze as much luggage and stuff in the rear space as possible. This will only be harmful to the engine as the extra strain will be applied to it. Therefore, try putting only the essential material in the cargo. Following the above-mentioned tips will reveal a significant recovery in your fuel economy.
