As consumers, we like getting a great deal for our hard-earned buck, especially when it comes to something we use every day. This is especially true for the fuel we put in our cars. We know where to get quality gas in the neighborhood and what price to pay. For many people, that’s where they stop.
Did you know that there are ways to increase the fuel efficiency of your car, thus stretching your dollar? When you apply the tips in this article, you’ll be able to stretch that dollar even further. In this article, I’ll share with you ways to make your car more fuel-efficient and reduce the wear and tear of your car at the same time.
Easy Does It
The first way to make your car use less gas is in how you drive. Frequent and hard starts and stops will make your engine work harder and as it does, it’ll consume even more gas. Instead, opt to drive smoothly and at a consistent speed, and by doing so, you take advantage of momentum. Instead of braking hard at the lights, you can anticipate the stop by first removing your foot from the gas pedal. Naturally, the car will slow down and you may find that the lights have turned green anyway and you don’t need to stop. A smooth ride is not just comfortable, it’s also easy on the engine.
Keep Tires Well Inflated
Another reason for loss of fuel efficiency is poorly inflated tires. As you already know, tires are important to cars because they hold up the car’s weight and provide a smooth drive. When tires are not properly inflated, they generate more resistance to the road and so your car has to use more energy to go forward. Check your car owner’s manual for information on the levels your tires should be at least every 2 weeks so you can top up whenever needed.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Air filters play an important role in keeping the air inside the car clean and particle free. Air is sucked in from the outside and passes through these filters. Over time, air filters get clogged and the engine has to spend more energy to suck in the same amount of air needed. The more energy required means that the engine has to burn more fuel to meet this increased demand.
On average, you should change your air filters between 15,000 and 30,000 miles and if you drive on dirt roads you should consider changing them sooner. This will keep your car running efficiently and save on gas mileage.
Tune Up Your Engine
Engine tune-up is a great way to boost fuel efficiency. Over time, you may notice that you are not getting the same gas mileage that you used to. Many people assume that it’s because the vehicle is getting old. What these cars lack is a good tune-up to get them back to the performance they once had. All you have to do is bring it to a reputable auto repair shop that offers automotive repairs and they should be able to tune up your car.
Does Your Car’s Gas Mileage Signal A Bigger Problem?
If you’re doing all the above and still experiencing poor gas mileage, it may be a good idea to bring in your can to a certified auto repair shop. At Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center, we have state-of-the-art tools to look deeper into your car’s performance and find issues that you cannot see. Our locations are open and ready to work on your car. Give us a call today or visit one of our auto shop locations near you. Our Oklahoma City location’s phone number is 405.733.9797, South Oklahoma City location: 405.691.1820, and Midwest City location: 405.732.0762.
