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Helping Your Car Run The Extra Mile
Improving your car's fuel economy can be easy, to your surprise - all you need are some common sense tactics that could save you money on gas and maybe even on repairs.
Give your engine a regular tune up. If your spark plugs aren't firing properly, your fuel economy can take a sizable hit. So much for saving up. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Change oil and replace your filters as indicated.
Let's be honest - it isn't easy to squeeze such an activity into a busy schedule. But all it takes is a little initiative to get this done. Now if you visit your dealer and they charge you the sun and the moon for a tune-up, you'll want to ask someone else for their rates. No need to worry about the schedule you have to follow - it will often be the same, with greater savings.
Not only is giving your car a tune up a way to ensure that it runs well, it can also add much-needed value when the time comes to buy a new car. This too could benefit you if you're trading in your vehicle with a new one.
Your tires always have to be inflated properly. Under-inflated tires lead to poor fuel economy. Your car's engine will have to put in more effort to get it running. Another reason why your engine may have to work harder would be unbalanced wheels, which can be detected by inconsistency in tire wear. The next time you fill 'er up, you could save money if your tires are inflated properly.
Drive smoothly. No herky-jerky start-stop movements or abrupt accelerations. If you're driving on the highway, use your cruise control to ensure that you're traveling at a steady pace.
Avoid excessive idling. If you're waiting for your child at soccer practice or picking up your better half from work, turn your engine off. And during winter months, you don't have to warm up your car for half an hour or longer - today's cars don't take that long to get adjusted anymore. Maintain your air conditioner and take good care of it.
Don't load up your vehicle excessively. You can get better fuel economy if there's less in your vehicle. If you keep your heavy items in your trunk rather than on top, this minimizes air drag. These are minute details you need to be aware of.
Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. It is always best to travel in light traffic conditions so you don't have to start and stop so often.
Join a car pool. Hitch with someone, or ask him/her to hitch with you so you can both minimize on your travel time and effort.
This may not have something to do with improving mileage per se, but it's always best to properly get rid of old parts or dispose of old fluids. Your car should be treated in the same way you treat your kids. These are all tips that could go a long way and get you started on the concept of hypermiling.
Give your engine a regular tune up. If your spark plugs aren't firing properly, your fuel economy can take a sizable hit. So much for saving up. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Change oil and replace your filters as indicated.
Let's be honest - it isn't easy to squeeze such an activity into a busy schedule. But all it takes is a little initiative to get this done. Now if you visit your dealer and they charge you the sun and the moon for a tune-up, you'll want to ask someone else for their rates. No need to worry about the schedule you have to follow - it will often be the same, with greater savings.
Not only is giving your car a tune up a way to ensure that it runs well, it can also add much-needed value when the time comes to buy a new car. This too could benefit you if you're trading in your vehicle with a new one.
Your tires always have to be inflated properly. Under-inflated tires lead to poor fuel economy. Your car's engine will have to put in more effort to get it running. Another reason why your engine may have to work harder would be unbalanced wheels, which can be detected by inconsistency in tire wear. The next time you fill 'er up, you could save money if your tires are inflated properly.
Drive smoothly. No herky-jerky start-stop movements or abrupt accelerations. If you're driving on the highway, use your cruise control to ensure that you're traveling at a steady pace.
Avoid excessive idling. If you're waiting for your child at soccer practice or picking up your better half from work, turn your engine off. And during winter months, you don't have to warm up your car for half an hour or longer - today's cars don't take that long to get adjusted anymore. Maintain your air conditioner and take good care of it.
Don't load up your vehicle excessively. You can get better fuel economy if there's less in your vehicle. If you keep your heavy items in your trunk rather than on top, this minimizes air drag. These are minute details you need to be aware of.
Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. It is always best to travel in light traffic conditions so you don't have to start and stop so often.
Join a car pool. Hitch with someone, or ask him/her to hitch with you so you can both minimize on your travel time and effort.
This may not have something to do with improving mileage per se, but it's always best to properly get rid of old parts or dispose of old fluids. Your car should be treated in the same way you treat your kids. These are all tips that could go a long way and get you started on the concept of hypermiling.
About the Author:
When you're looking for auto center Apex North Carolina, try Vital Automotive. We offer the best in automotive repair and diagnostics. Our rates are competitive, with no hidden fees.