Save Money With These Fuel Efficiency Tips!
Increase Fuel Efficiency and Save $$!
With the current price of gas seeming to shoot over the moon, we would like to offer a few tips to help you save a few dollars on your next visit to the gas station. If you are like most vehicle owners, this probably sounds good. By following these good-sense driving and car maintenance tips, you will not only save gas and help preserve our environment, but also put money back in your wallet.
Save Money With These Fuel Efficiency Tips:
- Replace air filters -- A clogged air filter causes your engine to work harder and your vehicle to become less fuel efficient. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase your mileage by 10%, or 15cents/gallon.
- Be serious about auto care -- Try to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Your car is designed to operate in a specific way, and if it is neglected, it will fail you at unexpected times.
- Have regular oil changes with the right type of motor oil - Proper oil viscosity (5w30 over 10w30) can be a 1-2% increase in mileage, or 4-11cents/gallon.
- Avoid idling -- If you have to sit for more than minute, turn the engine off. Idling gets 0mpg on your vehicle.
- Observe the speed limit -- Driving over 60mph decreases fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on long stretches of road to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
- Fill up with lower octane fuel -- Buy the lowest octane appropriate for your vehicle (unless it requires premium). Pricey premium doesn’t boost fuel economy.
- Don't "top off" when filling your tank -- When the nozzle clicks off, stop pumping. Overfilling wastes $$ on gas you won’t use. Additional gas will slop and seep off.
- Tighten the gas cap -- Gas will evaporate from your car's tank if it has an escape. A loose, missing, or damaged cap can cause you to lose up to 30 gals per year.
- Keep your tires at the correct pressure. Underinflated tires create more resistance and make your engine work harder, reducing fuel mileage and tire life by as much as 15%. Proper tire inflation can increase mileage up to 3.3%, that's 3cents/lb., or up to 11cents/gallon.
- Keep your engine tuned-up. A poorly running engine can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. A misfiring spark plug can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by 30%.
- Eliminate drag -- Make sure your wheels are in proper alignment, roof racks or bicycle racks removed when not being used, trunk empty, etc.
Clausen Automotive, a NAPA Auto Care Center and AAA Approved Auto Repair Shop, is a local family-owned business delivering honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services to the residents of Madison, WI and surrounding areas since 1975. With their ASE certified technicians, 2 Year 24,000 mile warranty, 24 hour towing, and innovative equipment available, they have become a leading complete auto repair center proudly serving quality auto repair to vehicle owners in Madison, WI and surrounding areas.
Increase Fuel Efficiency and Save $$!
With the current price of gas seeming to shoot over the moon, we would like to offer a few tips to help you save a few dollars on your next visit to the gas station. If you are like most vehicle owners, this probably sounds good. By following these good-sense driving and car maintenance tips, you will not only save gas and help preserve our environment, but also put money back in your wallet.
Save Money With These Fuel Efficiency Tips:
- Replace air filters -- A clogged air filter causes your engine to work harder and your vehicle to become less fuel efficient. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase your mileage by 10%, or 15cents/gallon.
- Be serious about auto care -- Try to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Your car is designed to operate in a specific way, and if it is neglected, it will fail you at unexpected times.
- Have regular oil changes with the right type of motor oil - Proper oil viscosity (5w30 over 10w30) can be a 1-2% increase in mileage, or 4-11cents/gallon.
- Avoid idling -- If you have to sit for more than minute, turn the engine off. Idling gets 0mpg on your vehicle.
- Observe the speed limit -- Driving over 60mph decreases fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on long stretches of road to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
- Fill up with lower octane fuel -- Buy the lowest octane appropriate for your vehicle (unless it requires premium). Pricey premium doesn’t boost fuel economy.
- Don't "top off" when filling your tank -- When the nozzle clicks off, stop pumping. Overfilling wastes $$ on gas you won’t use. Additional gas will slop and seep off.
- Tighten the gas cap -- Gas will evaporate from your car's tank if it has an escape. A loose, missing, or damaged cap can cause you to lose up to 30 gals per year.
- Keep your tires at the correct pressure. Underinflated tires create more resistance and make your engine work harder, reducing fuel mileage and tire life by as much as 15%. Proper tire inflation can increase mileage up to 3.3%, that's 3cents/lb., or up to 11cents/gallon.
- Keep your engine tuned-up. A poorly running engine can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. A misfiring spark plug can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by 30%.
- Eliminate drag -- Make sure your wheels are in proper alignment, roof racks or bicycle racks removed when not being used, trunk empty, etc.
Clausen Automotive, a NAPA Auto Care Center and AAA Approved Auto Repair Shop, is a local family-owned business delivering honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services to the residents of Madison, WI and surrounding areas since 1975. With their ASE certified technicians, 2 Year 24,000 mile warranty, 24 hour towing, and innovative equipment available, they have become a leading complete auto repair center proudly serving quality auto repair to vehicle owners in Madison, WI and surrounding areas.
