Whether you’re trying to save money to combat rising inflation, or you’re aiming to limit your carbon footprint, improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is a win-win situation.
Did you know that your vehicle can burn up to 30 percent more fuel if it’s not properly maintained? It’s true. Bringing your car to a reputable Kingston automotive repair shop regularly can dramatically improve your mileage and extend the life of your vehicle.
We have put together a comprehensive list of 20 things you can do to improve your fuel efficiency, categorized by maintenance, driving habits, and smart planning.
Section 1: Essential Vehicle Maintenance
Your car is a complex machine. If one component is off, the whole system works harder, burning more gas in the process.
1. Maintain Your Electrical System
A lot of your car’s components require electricity to run. Corroded battery cables cause your alternator to work harder to generate that power, which places more load on the engine and uses more fuel. Ask your local automotive repair garage to clean and inspect your battery terminals during your next visit.
2. Get Regular Tune-Ups
Scheduling regular engine check-ups has a huge impact on your vehicle’s health. Ensuring that your spark plugs, coils, and filters are functioning correctly ensures the engine burns fuel efficiently. Older spark plugs can cause misfires and waste gas.
3. Check Your Oxygen Sensors
It is crucial to have a properly working oxygen (O2) sensor. This small part monitors the exhaust flow and tells the computer how much fuel to inject. A faulty sensor can cause your car to run “rich,” burning significantly more fuel than necessary.
4. Keep Your Tires Inflated
Under-inflated tires are a leading cause of poor gas mileage. Tires under-inflated by just 8 PSI can increase your vehicle’s rolling resistance by up to 5%. This forces the engine to work harder to move the car. If your tires constantly lose air, it may be time to repair the bead or purchase new tires.
5. Change Your Air Filter
Think of the air filter as your car’s lungs. You should replace your vehicle’s air filter as frequently as outlined in your owner’s manual. If you drive in dusty environments (like gravel roads), you will need to swap it out sooner to let your engine “breathe” easy.
6. Use the Right Oil
Your owner’s manual is the bible for keeping your vehicle healthy. Always use the recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W-20 vs. 10W-30). Using oil that is too thick requires more energy for the oil pump to circulate, leading to increased fuel consumption. Regular oil changes are essential for reducing engine friction.
7. Check Your Suspension and Chassis
A vehicle with a damaged suspension or bent wheels creates drag. Worn shocks, damaged springs, or misaligned axles can fight against the vehicle’s forward momentum, dramatically decreasing fuel efficiency. Have your service center check your alignment annually.
8. Don’t Ignore the Check Engine Light
Often, a solid “Check Engine” light indicates an issue with the emissions system (like the EVAP system or catalytic converter). Ignoring this can result in poor fuel economy and more expensive repairs down the road.
Section 2: Smarter Driving Habits
How you drive matters just as much as what you drive. Adjusting your behavior behind the wheel can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
9. Stop Idling
Idling is bad for your wallet and the environment. An hour of idling can waste nearly two litres of fuel. Kingston drivers should be aware of local bylaws: you can be fined for idling more than three minutes in the summer and five minutes in the winter.
- Modern Tip: You only need about 30 seconds to circulate oil before driving. The engine warms up faster when the vehicle is moving.
10. Turn on Cruise Control
On long highway drives, cruise control is your best friend. It eliminates the subtle speed fluctuations that occur when you drive with your foot. Maintaining a constant velocity can improve fuel efficiency by up to 6% on the highway.
11. Don’t Rev Your Engine
Revving the engine unnecessarily dumps raw fuel into the cylinders. Accelerate smoothly. Imagine there is an egg under your gas pedal that you don’t want to break.
12. Look Ahead (Defensive Driving)
Watch the road ahead and anticipate traffic flow. If you see a red light in the distance, take your foot off the gas and coast rather than braking at the last second. Smoother transitions between starting and stopping can improve efficiency by up to 30%.
13. Don’t Rest Your Foot on the Brake
It is a bad habit, but resting your left foot on the brake pedal creates “mechanical drag.” This wears out your brake pads prematurely and forces the engine to fight against the brakes, torching your fuel economy.
14. Use High Gears (Manual Transmission)
Drive a stick shift? Your vehicle burns less fuel when it’s in a higher gear and the RPMs are lower. However, avoid “lugging” the engine (driving in too high a gear at low speeds). Listen to your engine and shift efficiently.
15. Keep it Steady
Varying your speed repeatedly (speeding up and slowing down) consumes more fuel than maintaining a steady pace. Use the “Eco” mode if your modern vehicle is equipped with one to dampen throttle response.
16. Slow Down
Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed. Driving at 120 km/h uses significantly more fuel than driving at 100 km/h. Staying within the speed limit is safer and keeps money in your pocket.
Section 3: Planning and Equipment
A little preparation goes a long way.
17. Keep Your Loads Light
Every extra pound requires energy to move. You will notice a drop in mileage if you treat your trunk like a storage unit. It is estimated that a load of 100 lbs can decrease fuel efficiency by 1-2%. If you don’t need it, unpack it.
18. Remove Roof Racks When Not in Use
Aerodynamics play a massive role in highway driving. Roof racks, cargo boxes, and bike carriers create wind resistance. If you aren’t using them, take them off to streamline your vehicle.
19. Limit Your “Running Around”
Short trips are the enemy of fuel economy because the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature. Try to “chain” your errands. Map out your route to do everything in one trip. A warm engine is a fuel-efficient engine.
20. Pick the Right Tire Tread
If you drive a truck or SUV, consider the tread pattern when buying new tires. Aggressive “mud terrain” tires create more friction and noise than “highway terrain” tires. Owners should ask about Low Rolling Resistance tires when buying new all-seasons to maximize MPG.
Bonus Tip: Don’t “Top Off” the Tank
When the pump clicks, stop. Trying to squeeze in those extra few cents can overwhelm your car’s evaporative emissions system, leading to mechanical failures. Plus, that extra gas often just evaporates or spills.
Conclusion
Improving your fuel efficiency doesn’t require buying a new hybrid car; it starts with proper maintenance and mindful driving. By following these 20 tips, you’ll not only save money at the Kingston pumps but also contribute to a cleaner environment.
Is your car due for a check-up? Contact your local service center today to ensure your tire pressure, filters, and engine are optimized for the road ahead.