With gas prices always seeming to creep higher and the planet needing a little love, squeezing more miles out of every gallon just makes sense. Luckily, achieving better gas mileage doesn’t always require a brand-new hybrid car or drastic lifestyle changes. With a few simple adjustments and a little help from Fixit45’s quality auto repair services, you will see a noticeable difference in your miles per gallon (MPG).
Keep Your Wallet Happy: Fixit45’s 5 Fuel Efficiency Tips
Lighten the Load
Just like carrying a heavy backpack slows you down, extra weight in your car forces the engine to work harder, guzzling more fuel. With a potential 2% decrease in fuel economy for every additional 100 pounds, it’s clear that it’s time to declutter and lighten the load!
One easy way to do this is by simply tidying up your car. Take a quick look around – are there items you barely use taking up space? That dusty camping gear, forgotten tools, or even those extra set of golf clubs you haven’t swung in months can weigh you down!
Unfortunately, it’s not just the stuff inside your car adding more weight! Even your roof rack comes at a cost to your fuel economy! While it’s handy for hauling gear, it also increases wind resistance, making your car less aerodynamic and forcing your engine to work harder. If you’re not using it, take it off – you’ll be surprised at how much it can improve your gas mileage, especially when cruising on the highway. Remember, when it comes to fuel efficiency, every little bit counts!
Tire Pressure
One of the most overlooked yet impactful factors in fuel efficiency is proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. It’s like trying to ride a bicycle with flat tires – you’ll expend a lot more energy to cover the same distance.
Get into the habit of checking your tire pressure regularly, ideally at least once a month. You’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended pressure in your car’s owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Alternatively, if you’re short on time or just prefer to leave it to the pros, Fixit45’s convenient auto repair services can make this task a breeze, coming right to your location for proper tire maintenance.
Smooth Driving
Driving smoothly and sensibly isn’t just about being a courteous driver; it’s also a key strategy for maximizing your fuel efficiency. Think of your car’s engine as a finely tuned machine – abrupt movements and unnecessary strain cause it to consume more energy, translating to more fuel burned.
Practice smooth driving techniques by accelerating gradually and coasting whenever possible. Imagine you have a full cup of coffee on your dashboard that you wouldn’t want to spill! Instead of slamming on the brakes at the last moment, ease off the gas pedal and allow your car to coast to a gradual stop whenever possible. Hard braking wastes the momentum you’ve built up, forcing your engine to work harder to regain speed.
Avoid Idling
Although it might seem harmless to leave your engine running while waiting in a queue or warming up your car on a cold morning, idling can be a silent fuel thief. While the exact amount varies depending on your car’s engine size and other factors, it’s estimated that idling for just 10 minutes can burn about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of fuel, meaning wasted money and increased carbon emissions.
Thankfully, cutting down on idling is both easy and impactful. If you expect to be stationary for a couple of minutes, like waiting at a red light – just turn off your engine! While this may seem like a small action, it can save a surprising amount of fuel over time and keep you away from frequent trips to the gas station! Beyond simply avoiding idling, strategic planning can also play a key role in maximizing your fuel efficiency. For example, planning your trips to dodge rush hour or bundling your errands into one trip to reduce the overall distance you drive and save even more fuel. These small driving habits can add up to significant savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance services are like giving your car a health check-up – it ensures everything’s running smoothly and efficiently, which translates directly to better gas mileage. Think of it this way: overlooked things such as a clean air filter, new spark plugs, and the right motor oil are like giving your car a refreshing energy drink, helping it run smoother and sip less gas.
To make sure your car stays in the best shape of its life, call Fixit45’s skilled mechanics for a hassle-free pickup and drop service, so you can sit back and relax while we diagnose, repair, and return your car to you in tip-top shape. To schedule an appointment, call our experienced mechanics at +2348061440051.
Small Changes, Big Savings
When it comes to saving fuel, the little things add up. By adopting mindful habits like turning your engine off at signals, lightening the load in your car, and scheduling regular maintenance with a skilled mobile mechanic, you’ll not only see a difference in your wallet but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Call Fixit45’s auto repair service today, and let us help you get the most out of every gallon.
