How to Boost Your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy

With inflation on everyone’s mind right now, many Americans are looking for ways to save money. The cost of living has risen across all areas, but especially in regard to gas prices, which have recently hit a national all-time high. 

Fortunately, there are ways to cope with this grim milestone. Whether you’re driving a newer vehicle or getting your money’s worth from an old reliable ride, there are plenty of ways to go further on a gallon of gas. 

Fuel economy is not a fixed number, meaning that certain habits and practices can help or hurt you in terms of saving money. How you drive and how well you maintain your vehicle both impact how much you’ll spend at the pump. Plus, following these practices can help you avoid any costly repairs in the future. 

If you’re looking to get the most out of your vehicle, try these 5 ways to boost your vehicle’s fuel economy. 

1) Perform routine maintenance

A little TLC goes a long way when it comes to fuel economy. One of the easiest ways to gas mileage and avoid breakdowns in the future is to service your vehicle regularly. Taking your car into a dealership for routine maintenance can help identify any areas where your car is not running optimally.  On average, drivers can improve their fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent by following their vehicle’s scheduled maintenance. When you take into account that Americans are spending nearly $5,000 a year on gasoline now, that can be up to $500 in savings! 

For instance, dirty air filters, spark plugs, and sensors can all affect your fuel consumption. Following the recommended maintenance for your vehicle will ensure it runs more efficiently and produces fewer emissions. It may be tempting to delay a trip to the service department, but the money you’ll save in the long run is well worth the visit. 

2) Avoid excessive idling

As long as your engine is on, it’s burning precious fuel. Idling is a major fuel waster and burns several billion gallons of gas per year, according to the Department of Energy.  Today, newer models feature a Stop/Start Engine that allows cars to conserve fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine automatically restarts when the brake is released.

Surprisingly, idling uses more gas than restarting your vehicle, and it produces 80 percent more pollution than when your car is in motion. With that in mind, consider turning off your engine the next time you come to a stop and are waiting inside your vehicle. 

Fortunately, newer cars are equipped with heavy-duty starters that can handle dozens of starts a day, but it should be noted that turning your engine on and off excessively can increase starter wear in older models. 

3) Keep your tires properly inflated

Small changes add up and go a long way in improving your vehicle’s fuel economy. It’s estimated that 1.25 billion gallons of gas are wasted yearly on underinflated tires – about 1% of total gas consumption! 

One study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that every 1% decrease in tire pressure correlated to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. When Edmunds.com put this to the test by studying their team members, they found that on average, their employees (all automotive enthusiasts to begin with) had underinflated tires of about 2.24 “pound per square inch” or PSI.

Under normal circumstances, a tire’s inflation pressure will decrease by 1 to 2 PSI every month. This means if you aren’t adding air back into your tires every month to two months, you’re burning excess fuel. 

Needless to say, if it’s been a while since you last checked your tire pressure, be sure to do that soon. It’s important not only for saving gas but also for improved safety and the prevention of tire wear, which could save you even more money. Fortunately, this is a simple fix and can be done at nearly any gas station. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific PSI ratings beforehand. 

4) Check the alignment

Have you noticed vibration in your steering wheel, uneven tire wear, or your vehicle pulling to one side? If so, it’s time for an alignment check. Misaligned tires drag, meaning they burn more fuel. Improper alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent or roughly 31 cents per gallon. Additionally, it causes your tires to wear out quicker, meaning they’ll need to be replaced sooner. 

Tires should be balanced and rotated according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Time to get yours inspected? Stop in our Express Service Lane for speedy, expert service – no appointment needed!

5) Practice good driving 

Kindness on the road pays off. Speeding, rapid braking, and other aggressive driving behaviors burn through fuel rapidly. 

Adopting good driving habits isn’t just the safe (and right) thing to do, but it also can help you at the pump. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every 5 mph you drive over 50 mpg, you are paying an additional $0.18 per gallon. 

Similarly, when Edmunds.com performed real-world testing, they found that aggressive driving habits were the biggest culprit for reduced fuel economy. In fact, they discovered that drivers who adopted good driving habits could save 33 percent to 38 percent on gas. 

Tired of your gas-guzzling vehicle? Trade it in for a newer model! We have dozens of options available now at United Kia Imperial, from award-winning, fuel-efficient models to gas-saving hybrids. Value your trade using our online tool. 

Or, if you’re tired of gas altogether – go electric. United Kia Imperial in Imperial, CA has various all-electric options for drivers. Shop our new Kia models and used car lot online or visit us in-store at 2349 CA-86.