There are a lot of products on the market available in large stores, gas stations, and auto repair stores which promise to significantly improve your car’s gas mileage. Some products require adding another component to the fuel tank, other devices promise to vent additional air into the carburetor to improve overall mileage. While there are endless options of items to purchase and add to the equation, there is a simpler approach… Regular maintenance, paying attention to your driving style, and an idea of what to look out for can make all the difference.
A car reaches optimum efficiency when the speed is at a constant. By maintaining the accelerator pedal in a steady position, fuel efficiency improves right away. Oftentimes consumers disagree with the manufacturer’s consumption figures (i.e. the mileage they say you should get in town vs. highway), but these numbers are quite accurate when the driver has efficiency in mind.
Modern driving conditions make this more challenging, in town and on highways. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find opportunities to begin slowing down before you need to slam on the brakes. By easing off the gas pedal and allowing the vehicle to roll to a stop, you are taking significant steps to lengthen the life of your fuel, and protecting your brake system from unnecessary wear and tear.
A vehicle’s weight is an important metric when considering the best way to improve mileage. If you are planning a road trip with the entire family for two weeks on the other side of the country, you may want to increase your gas budget slightly. You’ll notice on this family trip you’ll need to stop more often for gasoline than you would when it is just you. Put yourself in your car’s shoes (or tires)! At first you may not notice the extra 10 pounds, but by the time you’ve added 20 pounds, you can really feel the struggle.
Your car may not be a flesh and bone person, but in many ways, it does have a body and bones, and the engine is the heart. The extra weight not only damages the bones, but it also causes stress on the engine. The longer you drive with excess weight, the more compromised other systems may become. If it has been some time since you’ve had a professional inspect and address concerns, an AAMCO Multi-Point Inspection
is a great place to start
One of the easiest solutions to the gas mileage crisis is to regularly watch your tire pressure. Frequently, drivers do not look past the tread. While the tread is important for the tire’s performance and safety, the pressure itself determines how effective your tires actually are. This is especially true if you live in a climate that experiences extreme cold, heat, or both. Cold causes the rubber to contract while hot weather causes the rubber to expand. If you live in a place that experiences both, the rubber will contract and expand quickly, which deteriorates the integrity of the tires. By maintaining consistent tire pressure, you’re not only improving fuel efficiency, but increase the life of the tires, brakes, ball joints, and more!
The manufacturer has recommendations for virtually every component within your vehicle. While it may not be fun to sift through all of those pages of infographics and tiny text, there is invaluable information within those pages. Be sure you’re aware of the type of gasoline most recommended for your vehicle. You may be using premium gas when unleaded is sufficient. Have you had an oil change recently? Do you know how often your car should receive one? If you struggle to answer these questions, it may be time to go right to the source for your information.
If you have noticed you’ve been spending more on gasoline recently, but the prices haven’t changed, you may be right! Fortunately for you, there is a lot you can do to resolve this problem. Don’t wait for the problem to get bigger, or for other symptoms to arise. Schedule an appointment today at your preferred AAMCO Utah Location today!
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