Mercedes Mullins
Improving fuel mileage can result in significant financial savings. While the price of gas fluctuates, it remains a substantial expense for most drivers, with the average American spending around $3,000 annually. Upgrading to a vehicle with better fuel economy or adopting fuel-saving driving habits can substantially reduce these costs. For example, a vehicle that gets 30 MPG will cost $900 less to fuel each year than one that gets 20 MPG, assuming 15,000 miles driven per year and a fuel cost of $3.60 per gallon. This amounts to a $4,500 saving over five years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving a smaller car | Fuel cost is about half for a small sedan than for a very large SUV |
| Driving with a less powerful engine | Use four cylinders instead of eight unless hauling heavy loads |
| Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune | Improve mileage by an average of 4% |
| Fixing a serious maintenance problem | Improve mileage by as much as 40% |
| Removing unnecessary items impairing vehicle aerodynamics | Remove roof racks or cargo trays when not in use |
| Removing unnecessary items from the trunk | Driving with heavy items will have a negative impact on fuel economy |
| Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil | Improve mileage by 1-2% |
| Using "energy conserving" motor oil | Contains friction-reducing additives |
| Keeping tires properly inflated | Improve fuel efficiency by up to 3% |
| Using low rolling resistance tires | Improve fuel economy by an additional 1-2 MPG |
| Driving at a consistent speed | Optimal fuel efficiency is usually reached around 50 mph |
| Using cruise control | Maintain a steady speed and save fuel |
| Upgrading to a vehicle with better fuel economy | Save a sizable amount of money in fuel costs |
| Driving a plug-in hybrid | Save money on fuel costs |
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What You'll Learn
Fixing serious maintenance issues
Fixing serious car maintenance issues can significantly impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency and end up saving you a lot of money. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, addressing a faulty oxygen sensor, a serious maintenance problem, can improve your mileage by up to 40%. Therefore, it is essential to keep your car properly tuned and promptly address any issues that may arise. Fixing a car that has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, although this may vary.
Secondly, tyre maintenance is crucial. Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres not only shorten their lifespan but also negatively impact fuel economy. Check your tyre pressure regularly, preferably once a month, and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Properly inflated tyres can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. Additionally, purchasing low rolling resistance tyres can further improve your fuel economy by 1 to 2 MPG.
Another important aspect is engine oil maintenance. Old, contaminated oil can slow down your engine's performance and reduce fuel economy. Upgrading to the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2%. When changing your oil, also ensure that your air filter is replaced. A dirty air filter negatively affects your fuel economy and your car's acceleration.
Lastly, some general driving habits can also help improve fuel efficiency. Driving at a consistent speed, observing speed limits, and using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and save fuel. Removing unnecessary items from your vehicle, such as roof racks or heavy items, can improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Planning your route carefully, using highways instead of local routes, and avoiding heavy traffic can also help maximise fuel efficiency.
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Removing unnecessary items
Hauling cargo on the roof of a vehicle increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) and lowers fuel economy. A large, blunt roof-top cargo box can reduce fuel economy by around 2-8% in city driving, 6-17% on the highway, and 10-25% at interstate speeds (65-75 mph). Even a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by around 5%. Therefore, it is advisable to remove roof racks when they are not in use.
It is also important to keep your trunk clear of unnecessary items. Driving with a loaded trunk can reduce your MPG by up to 2%. This is because the extra weight makes your engine work harder, lowering fuel efficiency.
In addition to removing unnecessary items, there are other simple ways to improve fuel mileage. These include maintaining proper tire pressure, checking tire alignment, using the recommended grade of motor oil, and driving sensibly by avoiding aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking).
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Using correct motor oil
Using the correct motor oil is crucial for improving fuel mileage and saving money. Motor oil, or engine oil, plays a critical role in fuel economy and vehicle maintenance. It helps reduce friction, improves engine performance, and protects the engine from wear and tear.
One important factor to consider when choosing the correct motor oil is viscosity. Viscosity refers to the oil's thickness or resistance to flow. The right viscosity ensures that the oil can effectively reduce friction between engine parts. Lower viscosity oils, also known as fuel-economy oils or low-viscosity heavy-duty engine oils (HDEO), have gained popularity due to their ability to improve fuel economy. By reducing friction, these oils enable the engine to work more efficiently, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Lower viscosity oils flow more smoothly and quickly through the engine, minimizing metal-to-metal contact and reducing energy loss.
Switching to a recommended lower viscosity oil, such as Mobil 1™ Advanced Fuel Economy motor oil, can be beneficial. This oil has a lower viscosity formulation, allowing it to flow faster during engine warm-up and reducing friction in critical areas like the piston compression rings and cylinder walls. However, it is important to note that using lower viscosity oils may lead to increased wear and tear on older engines or engines used in extreme temperature changes, towing, or frequent heavy loads. Thus, it is crucial to consult the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and choose the appropriate viscosity grade for your specific engine.
In addition to viscosity, the type of motor oil also matters. Synthetic oils, such as fully synthetic or synthetic 5W30 oil, can provide benefits in terms of fuel savings. Synthetic oils have longer lifespans and maintain their effectiveness over time, resulting in improved lubrication, engine performance, and fuel mileage. They also help prevent sludge formation, a common issue with older, contaminated oils that can clog engine passages and decrease fuel efficiency. Therefore, regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oils can contribute to better fuel economy and extended engine life.
By selecting the correct motor oil viscosity and type, you can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and save money on fuel costs. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the vehicle's age, usage conditions, and the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.
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Properly inflated tires
Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the best ways to improve fuel mileage and save money on gas. Under-inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in average pressure across all tires. This means that for every 1 psi missing, you lose 0.1% of your gas mileage, and your tires wear 10% faster. As such, keeping your tires at the recommended pressure can improve your gas mileage by 0.6% on average, and up to 3% in some cases. For example, a car getting 30 mpg could see a benefit of about 1 mpg with properly inflated tires.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, the glove box, or the fuel door. You can also find it in your owner's manual. It's important to note that the recommended tire pressure may vary depending on the season you're driving in, as tires properly inflated in the winter may become overinflated in the summer when the air inside expands.
To take a pressure reading, unscrew the cap from the tire valve, position your gauge on the valve, and press down. Do this after your car has cooled down to avoid inaccurate readings caused by heated tires. Once you've determined that your tires need inflating, use an air pump to inflate them until they reach the needed pressure, and use your pressure gauge to verify.
While overinflating your tires may seem like a good idea, it's not recommended due to safety risks and potential drawbacks. Tires with too much air will bulge slightly in the middle, reducing rolling resistance and decreasing the amount of energy needed to move your car. However, the increase in fuel economy is usually negligible, and the potential benefits are outweighed by the risks of tire bursts and unexpected issues on the road.
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Upgrading fuel-efficient vehicles
Upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle can lead to significant cost savings over time. While the initial investment in a new vehicle or fuel-efficient parts may be high, the improved fuel economy can offset these costs. For example, a 30-MPG vehicle can save you $4,500 over five years.
There are several ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Firstly, consider the type of vehicle you choose. Smaller cars, such as sedans, generally have better fuel efficiency than larger vehicles like SUVs. Opting for a vehicle with a smaller and less powerful engine can also reduce fuel consumption, especially if you don't routinely haul heavy loads.
Secondly, proper maintenance and upgrades can enhance fuel efficiency. Ensuring your vehicle is properly tuned can improve fuel efficiency by an average of 4%, while fixing serious maintenance issues, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by up to 40%. Upgrading to high-performance fuel injectors can deliver a more precise amount of fuel, resulting in better combustion and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by 1-2%.
Thirdly, reducing weight can positively impact fuel economy. Every 100 lbs of weight removed can equate to a gain of 1 MPG. Lightweight rims and low rolling resistance (LRR) tires can improve fuel efficiency, but they may offer less traction or handling.
Finally, driving habits and vehicle accessories can also affect fuel efficiency. Driving at a consistent speed, observing speed limits, and using cruise control can optimize fuel efficiency. Removing unnecessary items that impair aerodynamics, such as roof racks or cargo trays, can also help. Additionally, properly inflating your tires to the recommended pressure can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%.
While upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle can save money, it is important to consider the upfront costs and potential trade-offs in performance or traction. Improving fuel efficiency also has environmental benefits, extends vehicle life, and enhances the driving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of money saved depends on several factors, such as the number of miles driven per year, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and the cost of gasoline. A fuel cost calculator can help estimate these factors to determine your savings. For example, fixing a serious maintenance issue can improve mileage by up to 40%, while proper tire inflation can save up to 3%. Upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle can also result in significant savings, such as $4,500 over five years when switching to a 30-MPG vehicle.
Here are some tips to improve fuel mileage and save money:
- Drive a smaller and less powerful car: Smaller cars, such as sedans, are more fuel-efficient than large SUVs.
- Maintain proper tire inflation: Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- Use the recommended motor oil: Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve fuel mileage by 1-2%.
- Remove unnecessary items: Get rid of heavy and aerodynamic items like roof racks and cargo trays, which impair the vehicle's aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
- Drive at a consistent speed: Unnecessary acceleration consumes more fuel. Using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and save fuel.
You can use a fuel cost calculator to estimate the fuel cost of your trip based on fuel efficiency, distance, and gas price. First, find the number of miles you drive per year, then calculate the amount of gasoline consumed for each vehicle by dividing the driving distance by the miles per gallon (MPG) rating. Finally, subtract the fuel cost of a more fuel-efficient vehicle from the original vehicle to find your savings.
