Fuel economy is not just a buzzword for eco-conscious drivers; it’s a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining a vehicle. High fuel efficiency helps you save money and prolongs the life of your car.
There’s a lot of talk about with fuel efficiency, and many drivers don’t fully understand all the factors that influence gas mileage. Keep reading to learn more about the things you didn’t know that affect your car’s fuel economy, from its tires to its air conditioning and even your driving habits!
Tire Inflation
Many drivers underestimate the importance of tire maintenance. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes your car work harder to move and burn more fuel in the process. Regularly checking your tire pressure and ensuring it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels can boost your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Invest in a good-quality tire gauge, and make it a habit to check your tires at least once a month. If your vehicle doesn’t have a tire pressure monitoring system, you should consider installing an aftermarket one to get real-time tire pressure data.
Air Conditioning
Another thing you likely didn’t know affects your car’s fuel economy is the air conditioning. While it may seem like a necessity to turn on your vehicle’s A/C, it could cost you at the gas pump. The air conditioning system puts extra load on the engine, making it work harder and burn more fuel.
Try using a sunshade during periods of hot and sunny weather to keep your car cool when parked so that you won’t have to crank the A/C after starting your car. You can also roll down the windows when driving at low speeds or park in the shade whenever possible.
Vehicle Weight
Every ounce of extra weight in your car means more work for the engine, so it’s in your best interests to keep it as light as possible for maximum fuel efficiency. Even your car’s wheel weights are important and can make your car more or less efficient, so consider every aspect of your vehicle’s weight.
While some drivers treat their car as a mobile office or storage facility, unnecessary weight makes it less efficient. Keep your car clutter-free, and it’ll reward you as a lean, mean, fuel-efficient machine!
Your Driving Habits
Poor driving habits can greatly affect your car’s fuel economy. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration, speeding, and hard braking, can dramatically reduce the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.
Adopting eco-driving techniques can help you save fuel and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Try to accelerate smoothly, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate traffic to avoid sudden stops. Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency.
Improving your car’s fuel economy involves giving attention to various factors. If you keep your vehicle’s weight down and its tires inflated while forming eco-friendly driving habits, you could notice a considerable uptick in your car’s fuel economy.
