Improve Your Fuel Economy

written by StreetsideStig | March 2, 2011

A few tips to help you save money at the pump Burning money doesn’t appeal to most of us, yet that is exactly what many of us feel we are doing when we stop at the gas station to top off the fuel in our cars. We search for the best price possible and take a deep breath as we jam the nozzle into the side of the car, understanding that we will have to do it again in a matter of days. While we have little control over the ever-changing price of gas, there are some things we can do to improve our fuel economy.

1. Handle the Pressure
If left unattended, tire pressure can decrease by 1% – 5% each month. An under-inflated tire creates greater rolling resistance, which means your engine must work harder to move your vehicle. Make sure you check your tire pressure at least monthly and add air as required. The recommended pressure for your tires can be found in your owner’s manual or, in most cases, on the driver’s side door jamb. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box.

2. Take it Easy
Aggressive driving habits can take a toll on fuel economy. If you like to mash the gas pedal and stomp on the brakes, you may be having fun but you will pay for it at the gas pump. If you want to save fuel, concentrate on driving as smoothly as possible—this means you need to avoid jack-rabbit starts and regular hard braking. On the highway, your ideal speed for fuel economy is 55 to 65 mph. 75 mph may be more fun for you than 65 mph, but you could pay for it with a 14% decrease in gas mileage.

3. Minimize Idling
When your car is idling, you are burning fuel without going anywhere. For all intents and purposes, you are getting a whopping 0 miles per gallon. If your car is going to idle for more than 60 seconds or so, you are better off turning the car off and restarting when ready to move.

4. Keep it Maintained
Following the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle will keep your car in tip-top shape overall and will allow it to operate with much greater efficiency. There are a few maintenance items on your car that will cost you fuel if not properly maintained. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters can all contribute to a noticeable decrease in fuel economy. Keep your vehicle maintained.

5. Lighten Up
A heavier car takes more fuel to move than a lighter car. If you are forcing your car to carry around excess weight, then your engine will need to work harder to get you and your vehicle from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk, back-seat or truck bed. An extra 100 pounds of weight can cost you up to a 2% decrease in gas mileage.

There are plenty of additional ideas to maximize your fuel economy; however, they all boil down to minimizing the work your engine has to do to move you and your car around. Our tips may not make you rich, but they may help you hang on to some of your hard earned money.

StreetsideStig

I just changed my fuel filter the other night and have already noticed a huge improvement in fuel economy. I wish I wouldn’t have let it go so long.
Anonymous

I purchased a cool air intake to help improve my fuel economy, it increased the power a great deal but it appears that the fuel economy has suffered as a result.
vetteguy

jmkmt…you are experiencing a classic side effect of installing a highly efficient performance part like a cold air intake! Too often more horsepower turns into our need to use it…ie: heavy foot syndrome. Enjoy the power, but don’t let too much of a good thing take away the fuel economy benefit!
Robwoodss

put max pressure in tires usually 44psi. They will last longer and increase mpg’s. max pressure found on sidewall of tire not in the owners Manuel!!
skier1

Watch out with max pressure. It makes the center tread area bulge outward more than the shoulder area resulting in faster wear in the middle of the tires, hence you need new tires sooner. More air is better for lower rolling resistance but on most vehicles I wouldn’t go more than 15% of the max inflation for the vehicle. The max air for the tire is if you carry or tow heavy loads temporarily. It helps fight heat build up. If you leave the tires aired to the max, what you save in gas you loose in tire wear and loss of traction. You’ll need the gas savings to buy new tires sooner. Don’t over do it.
Cobranut_1

Slightly higher pressure is ok but don’t go over the vehicle spec by more than 10% or so.
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“Did you know that air conditioning usage can lower the fuel economy of your car by at least 20%, or in other words, by 62 gallons of gas per year?”

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Once the affiliate marketers feel the pressure, they become focused. In this economy, many people are broke and some are beyond broke. They may see the possibility of living without a home as a reality. If this does not get someone to work, there are few things that will. As long as it is not too late, they still have time for a furious comeback; and a comeback that may lead them to the front of the pack.
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Aggressive driving is not a solution to save fuel economy. Always stay alert and drive steadily and not erratically. Keep an appropriate and safe distance from the car ahead of you and anticipate traffic conditions.
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Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups.
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With proper utilization, your engine oil as well as fuel will be consumed properly. Always make it a habit to have a regular check up to ensure your car’s top running condition and good maintenance.
Meatheadmarch

Over did it , put in a throttle body spacer, cold air induction , K&N filter and Jet mod in my 2011 Dodge 2500 5.7L. All together with a Lance Camper onboard. Jet increased fuel mileage by 2 gallons per mile. Added the first K&N filter to the regular box filter milage stayed the same. Then came the cold air intake no gas mileage but could tell increase in power as with the Jet mod. Finally, I installed the the throttle body spacer, with the Dodge it is an easy install except every thing installs into plastic, you got it one of the holes stripped out from the plastic in the intake of the 5.7L. No fix that with out buying a new manifold. Answer, get liquid resin pour into the hole put plumers tape around the poor excuse of a bolt and stick it into the hole and let set for 24 hours back out and put togetherthe system, works like a charm except gas mileage went down by 2.1 miles per gallon. Will start elimating to see who the culprit is that will not work with every other add on to increase power and mileage.
NOVA7128

GREAT TIPS:) COMMON SENSE ADVICE, IS USUALLY THE BEST ADVICE:) THANKS:)
NOVA7128@GMAIL.COM
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There are those who choose to use public transportation to save money from fuel costs but there are ways where we can economize and still be able to use our cars, thanks to the information given in this post. Whether driving your own car or renting one, being a responsible driver can help a lot. Thanks for sharing!
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I think Make sure your tyre pressure is at the correct level this one is most important thing, The faster you go the more fuel you use think about it and avoid fast driving it helps to increase fuel economy and efficiency.
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Great tips – thank you for sharing. It can be hard to go the speed limit on the freeway, but the saved fuel is worth it.

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