Fuel Efficiency Tips To Save Money On Gas
Making sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible along with some quick driving tips can be a great way to help save on fuel costs. Take a look at our list to ensure you’re doing the most to maximize your fuel economy.
Get Your Engine Tuned Up
Regular engine tune-ups keep your vehicle running efficiently and can save you time and money in the long run. From cleaning to routine replacement to repairs, an engine tune-up can make a huge difference in your fuel efficiency. The average
tune-up improves fuel economy by 4 percent and that directly saves you money. See your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on when to get tune-ups or talk to the specialists at Ferrario Auto Team.
Replacing That Clogged Air Filter
Air coming into your engine is full of dirt and dust. The engine air filter stops debris from entering the engine, but it becomes clogged over time and needs to be changed. While changing your air filter won’t directly affect your gas mileage,
it will increase the life of your engine and make it run more smoothly.
Have Your Oil Changed
You can improve your gas mileage by 1%–2% by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Clean oil helps reduce friction in the engine, reducing the amount of heat in your engine and helping it burn fuel more Making sure your
vehicle is in the best shape possible is a great way to help save on fuel costs. Take a look at our quick list to ensure you’re covering all of these bases.
Get Your Mass Air Flow Sensor Checked
The mass air flow sensor measures air flow into the engine and tells the computer to regulate fuel injection. If the sensor becomes clogged, the readings become inaccurate. This can throw off your vehicle’s fuel economy, causing the engine to
work harder than it really needs to. Get that sensor checked and cleaned up, and you can improve engine efficiency.
Check Tires for Proper Inflation
Your tires are responsible for traction and handling. If your tires are worn, misaligned or underinflated, your fuel efficiency suffers. Properly inflated tires last longer, increase your fuel economy, and are safer on the road. Make sure you
check your tire pressure once a month and keep them properly inflated to improve gas mileage. If your tires are showing wear, need aligned or replaced, make an appointment with Ferrario Auto Team to get them checked out.
Check Your Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors exhaust flow and sends the information to your engine’s computer, which then adjusts the fuel injection level as needed. If the sensor is faulty, the data it sends is incorrect. This causes the fuel injector react and
can cause fuel efficiency to plummet by as much as 40 percent. Have your oxygen sensor checked by our professionals and replaced if needed.
Get Your Wheels Aligned Properly & Check Suspension
Improper wheel and suspension alignment can really reduce fuel efficiency. Your tires will wear unevenly and bad suspension can cause drivetrain drag. When you’re having your engine checked, ask our technicians to check your wheels and
alignment as well.
Replace Spark Plugs
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence indicates that bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30%. If your mileage suddenly drops, make an appointment with us to have your spark plugs checked.
Watch For Battery Cable Corrosion
Corroded battery cables cause the alternator to work harder, using more gas. Have them checked and cleaned by a professional when you make your appointment with us.
Other Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage
Slow Down – Gas mileage efficiency decreases at speeds over 50 mph.
Buy The Best Gas For Your Vehicle – Check your owner’s manual to find out what octane your engine needs. Octane ratings measure gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock. Usually, the higher the octane, the higher the price. Go
with what your manual says, you may not need premium gas.
Limit Idle Time – Idling uses more fuel than restarting your car and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you come to a stop and are waiting for someone, consider turning off your engine to
save fuel.
Use Cruise Control If Possible – According to Edmunds.com, using cruise control under appropriate conditions can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. Be smart about it, cruise control is most efficient on flat highways, rather than
hilly areas.
Avoid Stops & Starts – Try to drive as smoothly as possible. Speedy acceleration, jerky braking and stop-and-go traffic waste gas. Studies suggest that poor driving habits can affect fuel economy by between 15% and 30%.
Even simple maintenance can have a major effect on your vehicle. When it comes to gas mileage, making sure your vehicle is correctly maintained can actually save you money in the long run.
