How to Reverse Poor Fuel Economy

If you are getting poor fuel economy out of your vehicle, it is possible to take a few extra steps to optimize your vehicle’s performance. Keep in mind that quality of fuel, size of vehicle, mileage, and other factors will affect fuel economy. Reversing poor fuel economy may require a repair if the loss of gas mileage has been drastic, but if it is a normal occurrence, and you are looking to get a few extra miles to a gallon, there are many ways to accomplish this goal.

Tune Up to Fuel Efficiency

Regular maintenance is an important first step in achieving optimal fuel economy in any vehicle. Spark plugs, oil changes, and fuel filters are all factors that not only will help maximize fuel economy, but also lengthen the life of your vehicle and help it run better for a longer length of time. You should change your vehicle’s oil every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. Check with your mechanic for the right oil change interval for your specific situation.

Check your Tires

It is very important to not only keep your tire pressure maintained as recommended, but also ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly aligned. Even the smallest amount of inconsistency in tire inflation or alignment will cause unnecessary drag that your vehicle will have to work harder to overcome, thus using more gasoline. Beyond proper inflation and alignment, the quality of your tires will also impact fuel economy, as well as quality of your ride.

Drive Conservatively

This seems like an obvious tip, but believe it or not, your vehicle will burn a significantly larger amount of fuel if you are accelerating quickly. Making quick starts, burns more fuel. You can minimize the effects of this by driving moderately, especially in situations where you are accelerating more frequently.

Avoid Idling as Much as Possible

Believe it or not, idling burns more fuel than shutting your engine off and restarting it. If you are waiting for somebody, turn your car off. Yes, you will burn fuel upon restarting the engine, but not as much as if you let your car sit idle for more than a minute. This is also the reason why Hybrid vehicles have auto-stop technology, meaning the gas engine shuts off when the car comes to a complete stop and restarts upon release of the brake.

Buy a More Fuel Efficient Vehicle

If you are finding that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy, it might just be that it is outdated. Letting go of your older vehicle will save more money in the long-run. There are so many fuel efficient vehicles on the market today. Most new cars, not even counting Hybrids, are now rated at excellent fuel economies.

Park in the Shade

One factor many people do not take into account is the evaporation in gasoline. Sometimes even the time of day and the temperature of the air and ground when you pump gasoline can minimize what you pay at the pump, and that is due to evaporation. Leaving your car parked in the heat is not good for your vehicle or your fuel efficiency. If you do not have a garage, try to park your vehicle in the shade. While the sun may not be avoidable at all times, it is important to note this fact and avoid it when you can.

Sometimes, you are unaware of just how much gasoline you are burning. The first step to reversing poor fuel economy is to make sure you are properly maintaining your vehicle, especially if it is an older vehicle that is dated in the fuel efficiency department. Next, you can take other simple steps to try to optimize your vehicle’s performance. Even if you only notice a slight increase in the gas mileage your car is getting, you will be increasing your fuel economy. The bonus is that not only will you be saving a little bit of money, but your vehicle will also be running better, and you will be making an investment in your future.