Precision Tune Auto Care wants to share our expert knowledge of everything automotive. Read the latest tips below or browse our Archived Car Care Tips for additional education and insight into proper vehicle maintenance.
Save at the Pump!
Tune-Ups & Regular Maintenance Check-Ups
One of the best ways to gain fuel economy is to get regular tune-ups. This will help improve gas mileage as well as ensure the maximum performance of your vehicle. Your maintenance schedule can be found in your owner’s manual. Worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or your transmission going into high gear can all reduce fuel economy.
Proper Tire Pressure
When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake on and this can waste a mile or two per gallon. Check your owner’s manual for the proper air pressure for your vehicle’s tires. (Source: www.aaa.com)
Proper Wheel Alignment
Keeping your wheels properly aligned will not only help your vehicle get more even tire wear, but it will also help your vehicle achieve better fuel economy. Don’t confuse wheel alignment with wheel balancing. Both are important for proper vehicle maintenance, but are different procedures.
Avoid Idling Your Vehicle
If you expect to be stopped in your vehicle for an extended period of time, turn the engine off. Consider going into an establishment instead of idling in the busy drive-thru. Limit warming up your vehicle in the winter.
Optimize Octane
Check your owner’s manual for the correct octane level for your vehicle’s engine. 20 percent of drivers purchase premium fuel when filling up at the pump, but less than 5 percent of cars on the road have engines designed for high octane fuel. If your engine was not, then pumping premium is only putting you at a loss. (Source: www.aaa.com)
Follow Motor Oil Grade Recommendations
Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil, can improve your gas mileage by 1.2 percent. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1.2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. (Source: www.fueleconomy.org)
Don’t forget to check your fuel cap. Make sure it’s undamaged and secure. Missing or problematic caps are responsible for 147 million gallons of gas vaporizing annually. (Source: Car Care Council – www.carcare.org)
Rid the Trunk of Your Junk
Gas mileage decreases as extra weight is added. Remove items you don’t use daily to make your vehicle more fuel efficient. Improving your vehicle’s aerodynamics will help lower your fuel cost. Take down any bike, ski or cargo racks from your roof. Washing and waxing your vehicle and rolling up the windows will help improve aerodynamics.
Enjoy the Breeze
Use your air conditioning only when necessary. The air conditioning utilizes your vehicle’s motor, eating into your gas savings. However, this tip might not be reasonable for everyone. For example, forgoing A/C in the south on a sweltering hot day certainly isn’t practical.
Parking your vehicle in the shade, and venting your windows a little when you park, will help to keep it cool when you get in. When driving at lower speeds, enjoy the breeze or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable. Once you reach highway speed, roll up your windows to improve your aerodynamics and set the A/C to a reasonable level. (Source: Consumer Federation of America)
* Assumes an average fuel economy of 22.5 mpg, fuel cost of $3.65/gallon, and 15,000 miles of travel annually. Your fuel economy improvement will depend on several factors, including how closely you are already following these practices. MPG increases are for individual tips. Improvement may be different when more than one tip is used. (Source: FuelEconomy.gov & E-SafetyForAll.com)