Rising fuel prices across the United States, along with environmental concerns associated with gas consumption, have made improving fuel efficiency a top priority for many car owners. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to enhance the fuel efficiency of your vehicle while saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. Whether you drive a compact car or a larger SUV, implementing these 10 strategies can minimize expenses while contributing to more sustainable consumption.
- Drive less
It may sound obvious, but the simplest way to save money on gas is to reduce your time behind the wheel. Maybe you could opt to walk to the store for a few items instead of driving. Additionally, try to combine multiple errands into one trip whenever possible. By consolidating your activities, you can reduce the overall distance traveled, helping your tank stay full longer. Shaving off just 10 miles a week can make a dent in your gas expenditures.
- Plan efficient routes
If you must drive, plan your route efficiently to save time, money, and fuel. Before heading out, consider the best and most direct route to your destination. Utilize navigation apps or online maps that provide real-time traffic updates to avoid congested areas and potential delays.
- Slow down
When your speed exceeds 50 miles per hour, your gas efficiency decreases. For every 5 miles per hour over 50 you drive, you will pay about 22 cents more per gallon. Reducing your speed can improve your fuel economy by up to 14 percent.
- Maintain proper tire pressure
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency is by ensuring your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consuming more fuel. The US Department of Energy estimates that 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline, which amounts to 1 percent of total consumption, are wasted annually on underinflated tires. Four tires underinflated by 10 psi can reduce fuel economy by 10 percent, costing you as much as 31 cents extra per gallon. To maximize fuel efficiency, invest in a good-quality tire pressure gauge and regularly check your tire pressure. Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door for the recommended pressure levels.
- Minimize excess weight
Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Take some time to declutter your car and remove any items that you don’t need for your trip. Extra weight increases the workload on the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Every extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by as much as 2 percent, which means leaving sports equipment or tools in your trunk will require you to fill up more frequently.
- Drive smoothly
Your driving style has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Avoid sudden acceleration and aggressive driving habits, such as rapid braking. These actions waste fuel and put unnecessary strain on the engine. Instead, practice smooth and gradual acceleration and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Anticipate traffic conditions and use coasting to your advantage, such as when approaching a red light or a stop sign. By adopting a calm and measured driving style, you can improve fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent.
- Use cruise control on highways
Long highway drives can consume a considerable amount of fuel, especially if your speed varies significantly. Engaging cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed and reduces fuel consumption by eliminating unnecessary fluctuations. When traffic conditions allow, use cruise control to maintain a steady pace and minimize the need for excessive acceleration or deceleration.
- Turn off the car
The US Department of Transportation estimates that idling, which gets zero miles per gallon, consumes billions of gallons of fuel each year. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine. If you expect to wait longer than that, turning the car off will save you money, as an idling car can use up to half a gallon of gas in just one hour.
- Perform routine maintenance
Keeping your vehicle well maintained will help save you money at the pump. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which includes tasks like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. A well-tuned engine operates more efficiently, resulting in improved fuel economy. Additionally, ensure that your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, as misalignment can increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel efficiency.
Other maintenance tasks include changing the oil filter and replacing spark plugs. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by 30 percent. Depending on the make and model, you should replace spark plugs every 20,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Time it right
Fill your tank in the early morning or evening, as fuel is denser when the air is cooler. This means that you will get more gas for your money if you avoid filling up during the hottest part of the day.