What can I do to improve fuel efficiency?

There are actually a lot of things you can do to improve your fuel mileage – and some of them are pretty easy. One of the first things drivers should do on a regular basis is to make sure their tires are properly inflated. On the inside of the driver’s door or doorjamb is a plate that indicates the correct tire pressure. Careful – there might be a different pressure for the front and rear tires. Check your tires at least once a month.

Carrying extra weight in the vehicle hurts fuel economy. Leave unnecessary stuff home. And everyone should be careful of their vehicle speed on any road. Also, be careful about those “jackrabbit starts”. Gently accelerate and plan your stops so that you can ease into them a bit. This can really make a big difference.

There are a number of key maintenance items that improve fuel economy. Lubricants should be replaced on schedule – dirty oil, transmission fluid and differential fluid cause more friction and drag which hurt fuel efficiency. A big one is having a fuel system cleaning done if needed. A dirty fuel system can really reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption. You’re locally owned NAPA AutoCare Center can help you determine if you need such a service.

And if your Check Engine Light is on, take it to your local NAPA AutoCare Center for a diagnosis. Some conditions that trigger the light can really hurt your fuel economy. Getting the necessary work done to correct the fault will help your engine run better and may bump up your mileage.

And watch out for miracle cures. There are a lot of products being sold that claim to increase fuel economy. Check them out before you buy. Ask your NAPA AutoCare Center for ideas to improve your gas mileage for all of your vehicles.

Posted March 27th, 2014