Everyone wants to get the best fuel economy possible. However, the most fuel-efficient cars may not be the top choice for some buyers. Luckily, there are a few proven ways to get better fuel economy without switching out the vehicle they love. In fact, many drivers already practice some of these tactics and have found success in getting more miles per gallon. Some drivers will even use non-ethanol gas.
You can increase fuel economy by cleaning out your vehicle
One way people can improve their car’s fuel economy is to clear out any unnecessary clutter. Naturally, carrying more cargo in a vehicle means it will burn more gallons of fuel each mile the person drives. This is especially true for the rear of the car. By some estimates, vehicles use about 2% more fuel for every extra 110 pounds of cargo.
Additionally, overloading your vehicle is also bad for fuel economy. In other words, you shouldn’t pack more people than the suggested weight for your car. Doing so can also cause extensive damage over time.
Keep tires inflated helps fuel economy
Even the most fuel-efficient cars can become less so under certain conditions. In particular, this can happen if you’re driving with too low of a psi, as under-inflated tires have a higher rolling resistance. According to Fuel Economy.gov, every one psi below the recommended amount can cause drivers to use 0.2% more gas. This may not be drastic for economy, but it adds up.
Use the AC less
While some people may think it’s a myth, using the air conditioner in your car decreases fuel economy. In fact, reports say that it can cause drivers to use about 10% more fuel than if they didn’t have the AC on. Additionally, having the windows down while driving at higher speeds can make your car about 20% more efficient. Plus, driving with the windows down can help drivers experience more of the trip.
Smoother driving helps
People concerned with getting better fuel economy should monitor their driving. In particular, remaining at steady speeds helps a great deal. Reports say that vehicles use 15 percent more fuel at 62 miles per hour and 25 percent more at 68 MPH due to wind resistance. However, driving too slow can also cause you to use more fuel due to being in a lower gear.
Experts suggest that the ideal speeds are between 31 and 55 MPH. This is also the case for the most fuel-efficient cars. Additionally, drivers shouldn’t brake too hard and should accelerate at steady rates. Plus, avoiding bumper-to-bumper traffic helps. Additionally, using different grades of gas can improve economy, this is especially true for non-ethanol gas.
