5 Ways to Boost Your Fuel Efficiency

Wondering how to improve fuel economy without buying a new car? You’re not alone. Fuel efficiency comes down to a mix of driving habits and vehicle maintenance, and most of the biggest gains cost little to nothing. Add in New England’s cold winters, which can lower fuel economy even in a well maintained vehicle, and it’s worth knowing exactly what moves the needle. Here are five ways to boost your fuel efficiency, starting today.

5 Ways to Boost Your Fuel Efficiency

Ready to get more miles out of every gallon? Here are five simple ways to make your gas last longer.

1. Keep your tires properly inflated. 

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and more often when temperatures fluctuate, since every 10-degree drop in temperature can reduce tire pressure by about 1 PSI. You’ll find the correct PSI on a sticker inside your driver’s side door, not on the tire itself. Overinflating won’t help, either, since it leads to a harsher ride, uneven tire wear, and a higher risk of blowouts. Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the simplest ways to increase fuel economy without any extra cost.

2. Adopt steadier driving habits. 

Often easier said than done, one of the best ways to start conserving fuel is to audit your driving habits and adopt some steadier practices. Anticipate traffic conditions, time your stops and starts to maintain momentum when it’s safe to do so, and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower your fuel economy by 15% to 30% at highway speeds and by 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

• Use cruise control on the highway to keep your vehicle’s momentum steady and avoid the drastic speed fluctuations that hurt fuel efficiency. Skip cruise control in slippery conditions like ice and rain, since it can contribute to loss of control if you hydroplane or slide. If you regularly drive on toll roads, an E-ZPass or similar electronic toll pass can also help minimize unnecessary stops.

• It’s easy to treat speed limits as suggestions when you’re in a hurry, but speed has a real impact on fuel economy. When it comes to the best speed for gas mileage, midsize gas-powered vehicles get their best fuel economy around 55 mph, with efficiency dropping off quickly at higher speeds.

3. Stay on top of maintenance. 

A handful of maintenance items directly affect how efficiently your engine runs:

• Air filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, forcing it to work harder and use more fuel.

• Spark plugs: Worn spark plugs cause incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and reducing performance.

• Oxygen sensor: A faulty oxygen sensor can throw off your engine’s air-fuel ratio, leading to increased fuel consumption. 

• Wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels create additional rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and accelerating tire wear. 

Staying ahead of these routine services with an advanced multi-point inspection is one of the most effective fuel economy improvements you can make.

4. Account for the impact of cold-weather driving.

New England winters bring specific challenges. Cold air is denser, engines take longer to reach an efficient operating temperature, and tire pressure naturally drops as temperatures fall. Letting your car idle to warm up may make the cabin more comfortable, but it doesn’t improve fuel economy. It burns fuel without getting you anywhere. Instead, drive gently for the first few miles and check your tire pressure more frequently once the temperature drops. 

5. Reduce weight and drag. 

Fuel efficiency also depends on how much weight your vehicle is carrying and how much aerodynamic drag it creates. Clearing out unnecessary items in your trunk lightens the load your engine has to move. Removing roof racks or cargo boxes when they’re not in use reduces wind resistance, especially at highway speeds.

VIP Tires & Service: Your Partner in Fuel Efficiency

These gas efficiency tips range from quick, no-cost habits such as checking tire pressure to routine maintenance that’s worth scheduling ahead of time. Over time, small changes like these can add up to real savings at the pump.

Not sure where your vehicle stands, or which one of these might make the biggest difference? The team at VIP is here to help. Every visit includes a complimentary multi-point inspection to check the basics, including tire pressure and tread. For a closer look, VIP’s Advanced Multi-Point Inspection goes further, with precise measurements of tires, brakes, steering, and suspension, plus a full scan for any trouble codes. The cost is $50, but if we find work that needs to be done, that $50 is credited toward any repair you approve that same day.

FAQs

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  What is the fastest way to improve fuel efficiency?

  The fastest way to improve fuel efficiency is to check your tire pressure and ease off aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. Both are free or low-cost changes you can make today.

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  Does tire pressure really affect gas mileage?

  Yes, tire pressure really does affect gas mileage. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Properly inflated tires reduce that resistance and help your vehicle run closer to its intended fuel economy.

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  Does driving slower really save gas?

  Yes, driving slower can save gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, midsize gas-powered vehicles get their best fuel economy around 55 mph, with efficiency dropping off quickly at higher speeds.

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  Can an alignment or tune-up improve my gas mileage?

  Yes, an alignment or tune-up can improve your gas mileage. A poorly aligned vehicle creates drag as tires resist each other, and worn components, such as spark plugs or a faulty oxygen sensor, can throw off your engine’s fuel-to-air ratio.