When gas prices spike, your wallet can take a serious hit—especially if your vehicle isn’t the most fuel-efficient model on the market. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to save money at the pump. To learn how to improve your car’s gas mileage, continue reading these helpful tips.
Eliminate Excess Weight
One of the obvious ways to improve your car’s gas mileage is to eliminate excess weight. Ultimately, the more your vehicle weighs, the more power it will require to move and the more gas it will consume. As such, you should take measures to reduce your vehicle’s weight when possible. Some examples of how you can decrease your car’s weight include getting rid of any clutter and unnecessary items and removing superfluous components, such as a roof rack or unnecessary back seats.
Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated
Another simple way to increase your car’s fuel economy is to ensure that your tires are at the proper inflation levels. When tires are underinflated, they have more rolling resistance, which reduces gas mileage and increases their risk of overheating and blowing out. For optimum fuel efficiency, check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure and check your tires regularly to ensure they stay at the appropriate inflation level.
Replace Your Engine’s Air Filters Regularly
A clogged engine filter won’t be able to effectively eliminate contaminants from reaching the engine. As a result, your engine may become contaminated with dust, insects, and other particles that will reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy. For optimum fuel efficiency, change your engine’s air filter regularly.
Switch To Synthetic Oils
The types of oils you use in your vehicle can impact its fuel economy. The next time you need to change your engine, transmission, or differential oils, consider switching to synthetic oils. Although they may cost a bit more than conventional oils, synthetic oils generally have more stable viscosities in various temperatures, reducing resistance and improving fuel economy. Plus, synthetic oils typically last longer, which will help you get the most out of your investment.
Install an Overdrive Unit
Installing an overdrive unit is another way to improve your car’s gas mileage. An overdrive unit will reduce the number of engine revolutions that occur per minute as your vehicle drives at a sustained speed. While this customization can cost a couple of thousand dollars, it can vastly improve your vehicle’s fuel economy, which will save you money over time. Plus, installing an overdrive unit also has other benefits, such as reduced noise levels and less mechanical wear on your engine and the gearbox.
