How To Improve Your Fuel Economy Johnson City Toyota

How to Improve Your Fuel Economy

Gas prices can make a dent in your budget, and the best way to counteract that is to improve your fuel economy. To help you save at the pump, we have provided a list of useful tips that can increase your gas mileage and keep money in your pocket.

Avoid Speeding

Driving above 65 MPH increases fuel consumption considerably. You should always drive at economical speeds (between 45mph to 60mph) when possible for maximum fuel efficiency. If you drive between 64-80 MPH, your fuel economy will decrease by 8%. Drive between 80-97 MPH, and your fuel economy will be reduced by 12%. Avoid speeding and keep more gas in your tank.

Don’t Let Your Engine Idle for a Long Time

When your engine idles, it burns fuel unnecessarily. An engine at idle consumes a quarter gallon of gas every 15 minutes. Modern cars can start quickly, and there is no need to keep the engine idling during long stops like at train crossings or lengthy red lights.

Replace Your Spark Plugs and Air Filter

A study published by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence states that a bad spark plug can reduce your fuel economy by 30%. A bad spark plug does not provide enough spark to ensure the complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine, leading to wasted fuel.

A clogged air filter prevents sufficient air from entering the combustion chamber, also affecting the air-fuel ratio. The result is that the engine has to work harder to pull in more air, affecting acceleration and burning more fuel. You should always replace your spark plugs and air filter during routine maintenance.

Check Tire Pressure

Maintaining the right tire pressure is important to improving fuel economy. Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance that causes the engine to burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure periodically and maintain the recommended air pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

Drive in Highest Gear without Stressing the Engine

In lower gears, a vacuum is created when the throttle closes and remains closed. This vacuum causes the engine has to work harder to maintain speed. Driving in lower gears requires more acceleration more to maintain speed. When you drive in the highest, you will be required to accelerate less and in turn, use less gas. For example, if you are driving at 40mph in 5th gear instead of 4th, you will use 25% less fuel.

Give Fuel Injectors Ultrasonic Bath

Fuel injectors get covered with carbon deposits that decrease their efficiency. This affects fuel economy. Give fuel injectors an ultrasonic bath to remedy the issue. An ultrasonic bath involves immersing them in a special solution and then subjecting them to ultrasound waves and vibrations. This removes the carbon deposits and the fuel injectors are able to maintain the ideal air-fuel mixture in the engine.

These are some of the ways to improve the fuel economy of your car. Following these tips will not only save you money at the pump but will reduce emissions and help protect the environment as well.