10 Ways To Improve Your Fuel Economy

Filling up the fuel tank is a necessary evil that all drivers must contend with. If you are the type of person who gulps every time you have to fill up your vehicle, there is good news...there are some simple things you can do to improve your fuel economy, no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

1) Follow the recommended Maintenance
     A vehicle that is well maintained will operate with greater efficiency. Not only will your overall vehicle performance improve, but your fuel economy will improve as well. Worn out spark plugs, a dirty air filter ot clogged fuel filter will affect your fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by 10 percent, while replacing an oxygen sensor could net an increase as high as 40 percent. Proper maintenance also means using the correct octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy - and can save you money as well. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's recommendations or call 800-777-7561 and ask to speak to one of our service advisers.

2) Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
 Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll, which means more frequent stops at the pump. You can improve your fuel economy up to 4 percent if you keep your tires inflated properly. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure, which you can find in your owner's manual or on a sticker located on the door-jamb of the driver-side door. Invest in a tire-pressure gauge and check your tires monthly, adding air as necessary.


3) Take a Load Off
Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so carrying around excess weight will also affect your mileage. Empty out your trunk, or even your backseat of unneeded items. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk will reduce your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. If you have a roof rack or carrier, install on your vehicle only when needed. Not only does the carrier add extra weight, but it also increases the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which further contributes to a loss of fuel economy.

4) Don't Drive Aggressively
Fully depressing the accelerator from a stoplight, braking hard and speeding all contribute to a decrease in fuel economy. Give yourself extra time to get where you are going and try to keep a steady pace. According to the DOE, every 5 mph you drive over 65 mph represents a 7 percent decrease in fuel economy.

5) Use the Highest Gear Possible
Cars are designed to start in the lowest gear possible because thats where they have the most power, but that power means an increase in fuel consumption. To improve your economy, drive in the highest gear possible when you are cruising at a steady speed, such as on the highway.

6) Use Cruise Control - Selectively
Using cruise control can improve your gas mileage by helping you maintain a steady speed, but only if you are driving on mostly flat roads. If you are driving in hilly terrain, using cruise control typically causes your vehicle to speed up faster than it would if you were operating the gas pedal yourself.

7) Think Clean
Keeping your car washed and waxed improves aerodynamics and therefore positively affects fuel economy. Call 800-777-7561 and ask one of our service advisers about our detailing service.

8) Avoid Excessive Idling
When a car is idling, it is using fuel, yet not going anywhere. This translates to 0 mpg. When you leave your car running while you are waiting in line at the drive-thru, or as you wait outside your kids' school, you are wasting fuel. It is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and then re-start the car.

9) Use Air Conditioning Only When Necessary
Running your air conditioner does cause your vehicle to consume more fuel, but driving with your windows down can be even worse due to the increase of drag on the vehicle. If you are driving slowly, such as around town or in city traffic, then you are better off leaving your windows open, if possible. For highway driving, roll the windows up and turn the air conditioning on.

10) Combine Your Errands
A little planning can make a big difference in fuel economy. When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm. Combining errands can improve your gas mileage because your engine will be warm for more of the trip. According to the DOE, several short trips all begun with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.


For more information on the services we offer to improve your fuel economy call 800-777-7561 or contact harry@nissanofkeene.com.