Katerina Swanson
Servicing your car can improve its fuel economy, but this is not the only factor. Well-maintained vehicles generally use fuel more efficiently, so regular services and quick fixes are important. However, driving style, tyre pressure, air conditioning, and weight can also impact fuel efficiency. For example, aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and low tyre pressure can increase fuel consumption. Therefore, while servicing can help, drivers must also adopt good habits to improve fuel economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Servicing | Carrying out regular servicing, including replacing air and fuel filters and spark plugs at regular intervals, will keep the vehicle running longer and at its best. |
| Tyre Pressure | Keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure improves fuel efficiency. |
| Wheel Alignment | Regularly checking and adjusting wheel alignment can increase fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of fuel required to propel the vehicle. |
| Driving Habits | Driving habits such as speeding, excessive acceleration, and sudden braking can increase fuel consumption. Driving at a constant speed, using cruise control, and adopting a "defensive driving" style can improve fuel efficiency. |
| Weight | Removing unnecessary weight, such as roof racks and boot items, can improve fuel economy by reducing the burden on the vehicle. |
| Fuel Additives | Using fuel additives and system cleaners can help restore performance and improve MPG by breaking down deposits in the fuel system. |
| Maintenance | Proper maintenance, including fixing issues and keeping the vehicle well-maintained, can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of the vehicle. |
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What You'll Learn
Tyre pressure and type
Tyre choice and pressure are major factors in improving fuel economy. Tyres that don't have the correct air pressure levels could be a source of unnecessary energy waste. Underinflated tyres cause too much of the tyre to touch the road, increasing friction and wear. This increases rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder, burning more fuel and decreasing fuel economy.
The proper tyre pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box, and in your owner's manual. Tyre pressure gauges can be used to check the pressure. It is recommended that tyres are rotated approximately twice a year, or as often as specified in the car's manual, to spread tread evenly among all four wheels. This helps tyres last longer and ensures higher-quality rides and better car safety.
Overinflated tyres give a bumpier ride, compromise handling, and create uneven tread wear. They can also be a safety issue, leading to longer stopping distances and poor handling. Tyre pressure is also affected by temperature changes. For every 5 °C drop in temperature, there is a 2% loss in tyre pressure, and a 5 °C rise in temperature will inflate a tyre by about 2%.
The Michelin e·PRIMACY tyre stands out for its low rolling resistance, offering more miles per gallon and a more sustainable option.
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Air conditioning usage
Using a car's air conditioning (AC) system can increase fuel consumption, but the impact varies depending on several factors. These include the vehicle type, engine size, driving speed, maintenance, and external conditions such as temperature, humidity, and sun intensity.
AC usage can decrease fuel mileage by up to 25%, with a more noticeable impact on conventional vehicles than on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs). The extra load on the engine from running the AC requires more fuel to maintain speed and performance, especially during short trips and city driving. However, the impact decreases at higher speeds due to the reduced influence of aerodynamic drag.
On the other hand, driving with the windows down can also negatively affect fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Open windows increase aerodynamic drag, making the vehicle less efficient. However, at low speeds, the impact of open windows on fuel mileage is minimal, and it may be a more fuel-efficient option than using AC.
To improve fuel economy, it is recommended to use AC wisely. On highways, consider using AC sparingly or turning it off when cruising at a constant speed. In stop-and-go traffic or during extreme heat, use AC strategically to balance comfort and fuel efficiency. Proper vehicle maintenance, including keeping the AC system in good condition, can also help optimize fuel efficiency.
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Car weight
The relationship between weight and fuel economy is not entirely linear, as other factors, such as engine torque, road friction, and air resistance, also come into play. However, as a general rule, removing weight from a vehicle will improve its fuel efficiency. For example, the EPA states that removing 100 pounds of weight from a vehicle can increase fuel economy by 1-2%.
There are several ways to reduce the weight of a car. One way is to remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and back seat, such as old boxes or sports equipment. Another way to reduce weight is to remove any extra equipment that is not in use, such as roof racks or bike racks.
In addition to removing weight, proper tyre maintenance can also help improve fuel economy. Ensuring that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have good tread can reduce rolling resistance, leading to improved fuel efficiency.
It is worth noting that while weight reduction can improve fuel economy, it is not the only factor. The condition of the vehicle, driving habits, and other factors, such as tyre choice and engine maintenance, also play a significant role in fuel efficiency.
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Driving style
Acceleration and Speed:
Aggressive acceleration and speeding can significantly impact fuel consumption. Smooth and gentle acceleration from a stop can improve fuel efficiency. Driving at high speeds, especially over 65 mph, increases fuel usage as the car works harder to overcome drag. Maintaining a constant speed is more fuel-efficient, and cruise control can assist with this on flat roads.
Gears and Braking:
Utilizing higher gears is more fuel-efficient. Shifting up to a higher gear as soon as possible can help optimize fuel economy. Additionally, defensive driving, which involves keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and anticipating traffic flow, reduces the need for sudden braking and frequent speed changes, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Idling:
Keeping the engine running while stopped, known as idling, consumes a significant amount of fuel and is illegal if done for an extended period. Turning off the engine when stationary and restarting when needed is generally more fuel-efficient, especially in modern cars with stop-start engines.
Weight and Aerodynamics:
Carrying extra weight, including unnecessary items in the boot and roof racks, increases fuel consumption. Removing unused roof racks and unnecessary items can improve fuel economy. Additionally, driving with windows open at high speeds increases drag, so closing windows and using air conditioning sparingly at higher speeds can improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Tyre Maintenance:
Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for fuel economy. Ensuring correct tyre pressure and even wear around the circumference are essential, as underinflated tyres or uneven wear increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Regular wheel alignment and tyre checks are recommended to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
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Engine maintenance
It is also important to replace air and fuel filters and spark plugs at regular intervals, as old spark plugs can misfire, and clogged air filters can affect fuel economy, particularly in older vehicles with carbureted engines. Upgrading the manufacturer's recommended motor oil can also improve fuel mileage by up to 2%.
In addition to servicing, there are several other engine maintenance tasks that can improve fuel economy. For example, keeping your tyres inflated to the correct pressure and ensuring even tyre wear can reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency. Regularly checking your car's wheel alignment and keeping it in good condition can also reduce the amount of fuel needed to propel the vehicle.
Furthermore, issues such as a faulty oxygen sensor can significantly impact fuel mileage, so it is important to address any maintenance problems as soon as possible. By combining regular servicing with proactive engine maintenance, you can optimise your vehicle's fuel economy and potentially save money on fuel costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Regular car servicing can improve fuel economy by ensuring that your car is well-maintained and running at its best. This includes replacing air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and motor oil at recommended intervals, as well as addressing any small issues before they become more serious and costly.
Besides regular servicing, there are several ways to improve fuel economy:
- Maintaining correct tyre pressure and ensuring even tyre wear to reduce rolling resistance.
- Removing roof racks or bike racks when not in use to reduce wind resistance and drag.
- Reducing the weight of your car by removing unnecessary items from the boot and avoiding driving with a full tank of petrol.
- Adopting a smoother driving style with gentle acceleration and maintaining a constant speed, utilizing cruise control when possible.
It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's logbook for servicing intervals. Additionally, an interim service can be done every 6,000 miles or 6 months to keep your car in optimal condition between full services.
Some fuel-efficient driving habits include:
- Avoiding sudden acceleration and maintaining a constant speed using cruise control when possible.
- Driving at or below the speed limit to reduce fuel burn.
- Maintaining a safe distance from the car in front to avoid constant braking and accelerating.
- Using a higher gear when possible as it is more economical in terms of fuel consumption.
- Turning off the air conditioning and heating when not necessary, as they draw power from the engine.
Yes, there are fuel additives and treatments that can help improve fuel economy. For example, tank-treatment fuel additives like BG44K can be added directly to the fuel tank to restore performance and MPG. Additionally, fuel system cleaners can be used to remove deposits from the fuel injectors and other engine components, improving fuel efficiency.
