Easiest Ways To Boost Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy
You don’t have to drive an EV to save money at the pump.
Khodrocar - As you’ve probably noticed, gasoline prices have been rising steadily of late, just as a wave of U.S. motorists are trading in their stalwart sedans for somewhat less fuel-efficient SUVs and pickup trucks. In fact (as of July, 2018), fuel costs are at their highest level in four years, though they’re still lower than they were back in 2008 when the national average broke the $4.00 a gallon mark.
Whether you’re driving a brand-new crossover or are getting your money’s worth out of an old reliable ride, it’s entirely possible – and, frankly, it’s not that difficult – to go farther on a gallon of gas. And if you’re driving a model that’s powered by a modern high-compression turbocharged engine that takes premium-grade fuel, the money-saving potential is even higher.
What’s at stake? The Consumer Federation of America recently quantified how much money motorists might be able to save (based on regular-grade gas at $2.86 per gallon) by simply altering a few bad habits and ensuring that their vehicles are in top running order. According to the CFA, prudent drivers could improve their cars’ and trucks’ fuel economy by as much as 13 percent by following these time-tested tips.
Whether you’re driving a brand-new crossover or are getting your money’s worth out of an old reliable ride, it’s entirely possible – and, frankly, it’s not that difficult – to go farther on a gallon of gas. And if you’re driving a model that’s powered by a modern high-compression turbocharged engine that takes premium-grade fuel, the money-saving potential is even higher.
What’s at stake? The Consumer Federation of America recently quantified how much money motorists might be able to save (based on regular-grade gas at $2.86 per gallon) by simply altering a few bad habits and ensuring that their vehicles are in top running order. According to the CFA, prudent drivers could improve their cars’ and trucks’ fuel economy by as much as 13 percent by following these time-tested tips.
Slow Things Down
Potential savings: 20 Cents Per Gallon
Sure, you don’t want to be one of those motorists who putters at a snail’s pace on the highway, but neither should you be leading the pack. For every five fewer miles per hour you cruise along at highway speed – say, driving at 65 mph instead of 70 – you can cut your vehicle’s fuel consumption by an estimated 7 percent.
Take Time For A Tune Up
Potential savings: 11 Cents Per Gallon
If your vehicle is in need of a tune up, and especially if its failed an emissions test, it’s probably getting around 4 percent fewer mpg than it should.
Potential savings: 20 Cents Per Gallon
Sure, you don’t want to be one of those motorists who putters at a snail’s pace on the highway, but neither should you be leading the pack. For every five fewer miles per hour you cruise along at highway speed – say, driving at 65 mph instead of 70 – you can cut your vehicle’s fuel consumption by an estimated 7 percent.
Take Time For A Tune Up
Potential savings: 11 Cents Per Gallon
If your vehicle is in need of a tune up, and especially if its failed an emissions test, it’s probably getting around 4 percent fewer mpg than it should.
Choose The Right Motor Oil
Potential savings: 5 Cents Per Gallon
Whether you take your vehicle in for oil changes or prefer to do it yourself, be sure the crankcase is filled with the thinnest-viscosity motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. For example, if you’re currently running on 5W-30-grade oil, switching to 10W-30 could reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by 1-2 percent.
Get A Front-End Alignment
Potential savings: 28 Cents Per Gallon
Driving over all those potholes created during the winter months can easily throw your vehicle’s wheel alignment out of whack. This can not only cause a car’s tires to wear out more quickly, but it also forces the engine to work harder, which can reduce gas mileage by as much as 10%. If you notice your car pulling to one side or the steering wheel is off-center, take your car in for an alignment, pronto.
Check The Gas Cap
Potential savings: 2 Cents Per Gallon
An estimated 17% of all vehicles on the road have broken or missing gas caps, which both reduces gas mileage and can be detrimental to the environment by allowing harmful fumes to escape that contribute to smog. It’s also the most common – and cheapest to fix – cause of an illuminated "check engine” light.
Potential savings: 5 Cents Per Gallon
Whether you take your vehicle in for oil changes or prefer to do it yourself, be sure the crankcase is filled with the thinnest-viscosity motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. For example, if you’re currently running on 5W-30-grade oil, switching to 10W-30 could reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by 1-2 percent.
Get A Front-End Alignment
Potential savings: 28 Cents Per Gallon
Driving over all those potholes created during the winter months can easily throw your vehicle’s wheel alignment out of whack. This can not only cause a car’s tires to wear out more quickly, but it also forces the engine to work harder, which can reduce gas mileage by as much as 10%. If you notice your car pulling to one side or the steering wheel is off-center, take your car in for an alignment, pronto.
Check The Gas Cap
Potential savings: 2 Cents Per Gallon
An estimated 17% of all vehicles on the road have broken or missing gas caps, which both reduces gas mileage and can be detrimental to the environment by allowing harmful fumes to escape that contribute to smog. It’s also the most common – and cheapest to fix – cause of an illuminated "check engine” light.
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