How Car Maintenance Can Improve Fuel Economy

Car maintenance isn't just important to help ensure your vehicle runs effectively and efficiently. In fact, one of the key beneficiaries of vehicle maintenance is your gas tank. Specifically, the ability to drive further between fill-ups at the pump.

Yes, it's estimated that a good vehicle maintenance plan can improve your fuel economy by up to 10 percent depending on your vehicle condition and the type of service that's being done. Read on to learn more about how maintenance is crucial to fuel economy and other tips on how to improve fuel economy or contact our experts today.

What is Fuel Economy?

Simply put, fuel economy measures how far a vehicle can travel on a specified amount of fuel. When you're shopping for a vehicle, one of the things you'll likely take note of is its miles per gallon for both city driving and highway driving environments. Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measure of how many miles a vehicle travels per gallon of gas. The average mpg (combined city and highway) for a passenger car is 33 and about 23.5 for a pickup truck or SUV.

What Causes Poor Fuel Economy?

Poor fuel economy can be caused by several factors. While a leading cause of poor fuel economy is neglected maintenance, fuel economy is also often dictated by driving habits, driving conditions, and the age of your vehicle, among others.

Eight Ways to Improve Fuel Economy

Looking to improve your fuel economy to make that tank of gas last longer in between trips to the pump? Here's a look at how:

1. Fix Existing Problems Right Away

Aside from sticking to a robust maintenance schedule, make sure you're fixing any known problems immediately. Most vehicle issues tie back in some way to fuel economy, underscoring the importance of seeking service as soon as you become aware of any issues.

2. Check Tire Tread and Inflation

Healthy tires are good for your miles per gallon, so make sure tread wear is adequate and they're properly inflated. Underinflated tires, for instance, create more friction with the pavement, which can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 percent (not to mention accelerate tire tread wear).

3. Get Regular Wheel Alignments

Misaligned wheels impact rolling resistance and vehicle aerodynamics, which can increase your vehicle's fuel consumption. Additionally, misaligned wheels can also result in uneven tire tread wear, which means you may have to replace your tires prematurely.

4. Prioritize Engine and Transmission Care

You should have your engine oil changed per manufacturer recommendations, but good engine and transmission care doesn't stop there. Make sure you're adhering to recommended maintenance and having your vehicle serviced if the check engine light comes on.

5. Change Dirty Air Filters

An engine air filter is eventually going to impact engine performance and sap fuel efficiency. It's suggested you replace your engine air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year. You may need to change it more frequently if you often drive on dirt roads or in heavy traffic, as such conditions can cause it to dirty faster than typical driving conditions.

6. Don't Drive Aggressively

Are you hard on brakes and a fast accelerator? If so, it's not good for your fuel economy. In fact, aggressive driving can decrease fuel economy by more than 30 percent. Slow, gradual braking and gradual acceleration aren't just driving safety best practices, but they will also save you money at the pump.

7. Remove Excess Weight

The more weight you have in your vehicle, the harder your engine is going to have to work. It's estimated that carrying an extra 100 pounds can reduce miles per gallon by up to 2 percent. Drivers may have to haul cargo or add weight to their vehicles from time to time, but they should try to minimize these periods if they're serious about fuel economy. For instance, unload cargo promptly and don't leave sports equipment (hockey bags, golf clubs, etc.) in your car at all times if you're serious about your fuel economy.

8. Follow the Speed Limit

Driving at or below the speed limit isn't just safer, it's better for your fuel economy. Fuel economy typically decreases when you drive over 50 miles per hour. This is due to a combination of needing more engine power to combat air resistance and driving at speeds that are beyond an engine's peak operational efficiency.

Avoid These Fuel Efficiency Myths

While there are tried and true ways to improve fuel economy, there's also a lot of misinformation out there. Don't fall for these fuel economy myths:

Using Fuel Additives

Fuel additives should be used more to preserve or stabilize fuel or enhance vehicle performance. While some may advertise that they help improve gas mileage, such claims are often unsubstantiated.

Filling Up with Higher Octane Fuel

Premium gas is best for maximizing vehicle performance, helping vehicles accelerate better and reach higher speeds. The added cost of high octane fuel isn't going to be offset by improved fuel economy.

Topping Off Fuel Tanks for Extra Gas

Topping off your fuel tank isn't going to improve your fuel economy. If anything, it may damage your vehicle's evaporative emissions system.

We Will Fix Your Car Problems!

As we said, the No. 1 way to improve your vehicle's fuel economy is to perform routine maintenance and service any issues promptly after they arise. And if you need a reliable technician to handle your automotive needs, locate your nearest GreatWater-affiliated shop today and schedule an appointment. As a network of full-service automotive centers, there's no job too big or too small for our professional technicians. From the routine oil change to more complex engine and transmission repair, we'll handle all of your maintenance needs so your vehicle continues running great and your fuel economy is maximized.

Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment.

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