Car Maintenance Tips that will Improve Gas Mileage
These days withhigh fuel costsit is important to get the most one can from our car’s fuel. It may not be possible to put a smaller engine in a big car but there are some things on can do to make your old car more fuel efficient.
The first and most obvious thing one can do is keep our cars serviced regularly. Ideally a full service once per annum and if possible an interim service every six months. Servicing will not only make your car more reliable but will ensure all adjustments are correct, which will in the long run will burn less fuel and make your car more fuel efficient.
Next, remove items from the car that do not need to be there like tool kits and other equipment. Anything which does not really have to live in the car on a semi permanent basis. This will reduce weight and make the car more fuel efficient.
Also consider removing luggage racks and roof luggage boxes when they are not required. These items are not aerodynamic and will cause your car to burn more fuel than it needs to. Bicycles are better attached to the rear of the car than on the roof where they will drag against the wind which might increase fuel consumption.
Air conditioners; when in use also require additional fuel to work. On cooler days leave the air conditioner off if you can. Or you might try during hotter weather to only use the air conditioner in spurts rather than having it on continuously. Opened windows can slow a car down or it make it work harder to maintain the same speed.
Check tyre pressures regularly as a badly inflated tyre will cost you fuel as it creates additional drag when driving. It is also dangerous to drive with an under or over inflated tyre.
Air filters need to be clean and free of dust, grease and other particles. Spark plugs need occasional cleaning and gap resetting. Make sure all high tension cables are secure and not shorting out against the engine or body work. Check all earth connections.
It is largely overlooked, but do make sure your battery is in good condition. The engine will worker harder therefore use more fuel if it constantly trying to charge up a faulty battery. Also a faulty battery will sooner or later let you down.
Basically, anything you do under the hood to make your car run smoother will in the long run save you pennies.
