Increase Fuel Efficiency And Prevent Car Breakdowns

If you know how to increase fuel efficiency in your vehicle, you can make that full gas tank go a few extra miles during long road trips and lessen the likelihood of running out of gas before reaching the next fuel station. Here is a list of helpful fuel conservation tactics.

Packing the Vehicle

Carefully consider the weight you place inside your vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel efficiency decreases by 1 percent for every 100 pounds added to your vehicle’s load. If at all possible, avoid using roof-mounted storage containers, as they impede the vehicle’s aerodynamics. If additional space is a necessity, mount a container at the back of the vehicle. Otherwise, the rooftop carrier could lower fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent when traveling at full speed on the interstate.

Choosing the Right Time to Drive

Frequent stops and starts lead to wasted gas during acceleration. Whenever possible, avoid traveling in rush hour standstill traffic. An idling car consumes from a quarter to one half of a gallon of gas every hour. It’s best to plan highway driving at a time of day when cruise control can be utilized for most, if not all, of the trip, in an effort to conserve gas.

Be Aware of Weather Conditions

Colder temperatures drain the gas tank through use of the heating system and seat warmers, not to mention the time it takes for the engine to heat up. Dense cold air and wintry precipitation coating the roads reduces the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle. Freezing temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, also affecting overall performance. Parking the vehicle overnight in a garage and pumping up the tires before a road trip can improve fuel efficiency, but also be prepared for a lower average fuel economy than in optimal conditions.

The hot summer weather also can influence fuel economy, with the main culprit being the car’s air conditioning system. Drivers can put a sunshade in the windshield when the car is parked to prevent it from heating up excessively. Though driving with windows rolled down can also decrease fuel efficiency, it has less of a negative effect at high speeds. Try to reserve air conditioning for the highway and roll all windows down halfway at slower speeds.

Adjust Your Driving Style

Every vehicle varies, but the Department of Energy reports that overall economy drops much more rapidly at speeds over 50 mph. A fast way to improve fuel performance is to observe posted speed limits and accelerate and decelerate gradually. Abrupt slowing and speeding can use up a significant amount of fuel reserves much faster than normal.

Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance

Use engine oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and stay up to date on vehicle maintenance. Faulty spark plugs, expiring fuel injectors and dirty air filters all have a negative effect on engine fuel efficiency. Follow these tips to increase fuel efficiency in your car or truck, and contact Stauffer’s Towing if you and your vehicle are stranded and need fast transport to the closest Utah gas station.