
Vehicle maintenance is an integral part of owning an automobile. Not only does it ensure that the vehicle is in its best possible shape, it also keeps drivers away from accidents. But did you know that through proper maintenance, fuel economy can be improved?
Below are 5 tips on how to help keep vehicles in tip-top shape while also improving fuel economy.
Below are 5 tips on how to help keep vehicles in tip-top shape while also improving fuel economy.
1. Always keep the tires properly inflated.
Fuel economy can be improved up to 3% when car tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel usage by 0.3% for every one (1) psi below the proper tire inflation pressure for each tire. Also, by keeping tires at the right inflation pressure, they last longer.
If unsure on the right tire inflation pressure for the vehicle, there is usually a sticker found on the driver’s side door or on the glove compartment that contains the information. Another place to find a reference for the tire inflation pressure is the car manual.
2. Check the Alignment
Tires are designed to roll freely to provide a smooth driving experience. When these are misaligned, they tend to drag on instead of rolling. Misalignment can decrease fuel economy by as much as 10%. Aside from this, improper alignment can lead to a shorter tire life because of an increase in the wear and tear. A simple way to determine if the tires are misaligned would be vibrations in the steering wheel when driving. For the proper alignment, refer to the cars owner’s manual to improve the car’s performance.
3. Filling the tank during the cooler parts of the day.
Whether late at night or early in the morning, proper vehicle maintenance should include knowing when to gas up the car. When filling up the tank, the machine dispenses fuel by volume. During the cooler parts of the day, fuel becomes denser so you can get more fuel for the same amount of cash.
4. Take care of the pedals.
Drivers should be careful when stepping on the pedals. Too much speeding, braking and sudden increase in the acceleration consume more gas. Poor driving habits that involve abusing the pedals in such a way can decrease fuel economy from as low as 5% to as high as 33%! Hence slowing down does make a lot more sense than rushing on the highway.
5. Turning off the engine whenever you can.
Idling when waiting or in a huge traffic jam can consume gallons of fuel without even moving forward. Engines should be turned off when you are waiting for more than a few minutes since an idle vehicle can consume as much as a gallon per hour.
These simple vehicle maintenance tips are easy to follow on a daily basis and before you know it, you’ll be saving tons of fuel!
Now, if you need new auto parts, please don’t hesitate to stop our shop or contact us.
Fuel economy can be improved up to 3% when car tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel usage by 0.3% for every one (1) psi below the proper tire inflation pressure for each tire. Also, by keeping tires at the right inflation pressure, they last longer.
If unsure on the right tire inflation pressure for the vehicle, there is usually a sticker found on the driver’s side door or on the glove compartment that contains the information. Another place to find a reference for the tire inflation pressure is the car manual.
2. Check the Alignment
Tires are designed to roll freely to provide a smooth driving experience. When these are misaligned, they tend to drag on instead of rolling. Misalignment can decrease fuel economy by as much as 10%. Aside from this, improper alignment can lead to a shorter tire life because of an increase in the wear and tear. A simple way to determine if the tires are misaligned would be vibrations in the steering wheel when driving. For the proper alignment, refer to the cars owner’s manual to improve the car’s performance.
3. Filling the tank during the cooler parts of the day.
Whether late at night or early in the morning, proper vehicle maintenance should include knowing when to gas up the car. When filling up the tank, the machine dispenses fuel by volume. During the cooler parts of the day, fuel becomes denser so you can get more fuel for the same amount of cash.
4. Take care of the pedals.
Drivers should be careful when stepping on the pedals. Too much speeding, braking and sudden increase in the acceleration consume more gas. Poor driving habits that involve abusing the pedals in such a way can decrease fuel economy from as low as 5% to as high as 33%! Hence slowing down does make a lot more sense than rushing on the highway.
5. Turning off the engine whenever you can.
Idling when waiting or in a huge traffic jam can consume gallons of fuel without even moving forward. Engines should be turned off when you are waiting for more than a few minutes since an idle vehicle can consume as much as a gallon per hour.
These simple vehicle maintenance tips are easy to follow on a daily basis and before you know it, you’ll be saving tons of fuel!
Now, if you need new auto parts, please don’t hesitate to stop our shop or contact us.