With gas prices on the rise yet again, all eyes are turning toward opportunities to make vehicles more fuel efficient. Unfortunately, not everyone can run out and by the latest hybrid vehicle so you can cut your monthly fuel costs. There are things, though, you can do that will help you increase fuel efficiency in your own car.
1. Drive Smarter
Regardless of the optimal speed for your vehicle, most vehicles experience greater decreases in fuel efficiency when driving over 50 miles per hour. The reason people often experience less fuel efficiency when driving in town has more to do with how you’re driving rather than how fast you’re driving. Rapid accelerating, for instance, decreases your fuel efficiency monumentally – as does hitting your brakes at the last minute. Drive with slower acceleration and deceleration and keep your speed under 50 when possible for amazing fuel savings.
2. Remove the Junk from Your Trunk
And inside your car as well. The more weight in your vehicle, the more it drags against your fuel efficiency. The harder your engine has to work to carry its load, the more fuel it will burn in the process. That is why large trucks burn through more fuel when towing things than when they aren’t towing. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to clear out all the clutter from your vehicle and your trunk.
3. Eliminate Unnecessary Drag
One episode of the popular television series MythBusters even suggested removing the passenger side mirror on an episode where they discussed hypermiling. While you may not need to go that far to improve your gas mileage, consider removing roof racks, bike racks, etc. that are mounted to your vehicle whenever you’re not using them. Modern cars are designed to be aerodynamic. These accessories interfere with that causing your vehicle to enjoy less than stellar fuel efficiency in the process.
4. Perform Routine Maintenance
Keeping your car’s maintenance not only helps to extend the life of your car and avoid costly preventable repairs. It also helps you enjoy greater fuel economy from your vehicle as well. Cars that are running in tip-top running condition do not need to use extra fuel to get through your daily commute.
5. Change Up Your Commute
Consider using your company’s flextime policies in your favor by going in an hour or two earlier or later and see what a difference it can make for your schedule. Frequent stops and starts in rush-hour traffic are public enemy number one when it comes to killing fuel efficiency. The less congestion you face during your daily commute, the better your fuel efficiency will be.
As you can see, it isn’t completely necessary to buy a new vehicle in order to enjoy greater fuel efficiency. Making small changes in the way you drive and care for your vehicle can generate large benefits at the gas pump. Try these five changes for starters and see the difference for yourself.