Tips for Improving Gas Mileage

Better Gas Mileage in Johnson City TN

Every car owner should do their bit for the environment by improving the gas mileage of their car. It is not only beneficial for our mother Earth but it will also put some money in your pocket. Here are some simple tips to improve gas mileage.

Drive on Higher Gear

According to experts, driving on higher gear on flat ground while maintaining speed can improve fuel efficiency. The reason is that there is no load on the engine when the car is running on flat ground. However, you need to maintain RPM in the mid-range at around 1500-2500 to get maximum efficiency. For example, driving at a speed of 50 mph in fifth gear with RPM in the mid-range can give you higher fuel efficiency than driving at 60 mph in fourth gear with high RPM.

Replace Air Filters and Spark Plugs

Having bad filters can reduce fuel efficiency by 20%. The oxygen sensors play an important role in maintaining the right mixture of fuel and oxygen. If the balance of these two elements is not maintained, the combustion of fuel does not remain efficient leading to fuel wastage. Similarly, spark plugs are needed for sparking combustion in the car’s engine. If the spark plug is not efficient, it affects the gas mileage in a negative way.

Drive at 60 MPH or Below

Auto experts suggest people drive at 60 mph or below to reduce fuel consumption. The most fuel economical speed to drive on highways is around 55 mph to 60 mph. You can use the cruise control feature in your car to cruise at steady speeds on highways to reduce fuel consumption.

Don’t Carry Unnecessary Weight

Don’t stuff the trunk of the car with things unless you need it. Just like your body, the car’s engine uses more fuel when burdened with weight. Many people leave the camping gear in the trunk without realizing the car is not a mobile dumping ground. You need to remove unnecessary items from the trunk and make sure there are no items lying unnecessarily in the car.

Remove the Roof Rack

Avoid installing roof racks or carrying luggage on the top of the car. The car manufacturer performs several tests to reduce drag and increase the aerodynamic shape of the car. The roof rack and the luggage attached to it reduce the aerodynamic characteristics and increase wind resistance. The result is that the engine has to burn more fuel to cut through air resistance to move ahead. If you really want some additional space, you can easily use removable roof racks that can be fitted and removed whenever necessary.

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Car manufacturers recommend maintaining air pressure in tires to enhance fuel efficiency. It is not possible for the human eye to detect a slight decrease in air pressure in tires through a glance. Hence, you need to check air pressure in tires regularly when you go for refueling and ensure the tires have the recommended pressure mentioned in the car’s manual. Even a slight drop in air pressure of 10 psi can decrease the fuel efficiency significantly.

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