Preventative Car Maintenenace Maximizes Fuel Efficiency
by
Dr. Fran Lockwood
Fred
Flintstone's car might have been the most fuel-efficient
vehicle ever developed — powered solely by Fred's two
feet. And while it likely didn't have modern features air-conditioning,
windows, or even a floor for that matter, it also didn't
cost Fred multiple fill-ups at the gas station every
week. Advancement
has definitely come with a price tag, and these days,
it's worth it to go the extra mile to maximize your
car's mpg.
Although
the surest way to save gas is to drive less, carpool,
and walk whenever possible, often this is about as practical
as pushing your car along with your feet. However, with proper maintenance, you can maximize
your miles per gallon while you drive. An out-of-tune vehicle has to work harder, using
more fuel and prematurely wearing the engine and other
components. By
following a few basic tips, you can lighten your vehicle's
workload and improve your gas mileage by as much as
20 percent.
Lighten
Up, Leadfoot
Speeding
may seem like the best way to get from Point A to Point
B, but it's not a very fuel-efficient solution. At speeds above 55 mph, fuel economy decreases
rapidly, so just slowing down from 65 mph to 55 mph
can increase your mpg by as much as 15 percent. According to the Department of Energy, driving
an extra hour instead of speeding saves $5 to $10. When you factor in a possible traffic stop for
a speeding ticket and the detour to re-fill your gas
tank, the benefit of speeding is minimal at best.
You
can also improve gas mileage another 5 percent or more
by avoiding "jackrabbit" (sudden) starts and anticipating
stops to avoid sudden braking. Making quick stops and starts ensures that you'll
be back at the pump sooner than needed.
Inflate
and Align
Since
his tires were made of rock, maintaining proper air
pressure might not have been a big concern for Fred
Flintstone, but the rubber tires on your vehicle are
another story. Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage
by up to one mile per gallon. To improve mpg, it's a good idea to check tires
monthly and keep them inflated to the maximum recommended
pressure.
Also,
make sure your wheels are properly aligned. A car with
poor wheel alignment will have increased road resistance
which will waste gas. Regular wheel alignment and tire rotations can
help maximize your miles per gallon.
Consider
Oil Options
Gas
mileage can also be improved as much as 3 percent by using
the right motor oil. Multi-grade motor oils are the best, use a 5W-30
or 10W-30 for most vehicles and for new model Fords,
a 5W-20 motor oil. For vehicles with higher mileage, an oil designed
for mature engines, such as Valvoline MaxLife in the
5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosity grades is formulated to enhance
engine performance by lowering oil vaporization and
consumption, condition seals, and while providing fuel
economy.
It's
also important to make sure the oil level is within
the "safe" range during regular oil changes. Too little oil can overtax your engine, causing
premature wear and reduced gas mileage.
Clear
the Air
Dirty air filters cut off the engine's air
supply. This
causes a higher fuel-to-air ratio and increases gas
consumption. A
good rule of thumb is to have the air filter checked
each time you change your oil and replace it per your
manual's recommendation.
Engine
De-Stress
There
are also a few easy, everyday habits you can adopt to
improve your engine's performance and encourage better
gas mileage. One
good idea is to opt for overdrive.
If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing
(on five-speed manual transmissions and four-speed automatic
transmissions), make use of it as soon as you reach
cruising speed. This puts less stress on your engine
and helps boost fuel economy. Also avoid letting your engine idle for too long. Idling engines actually burn more gas than restarting
the engine.
Try
to keep an eye on your vehicle's fuel consumption —
a sudden increase can indicate a need for a tune-up
or repair. Also
note that weather, road conditions, and terrain can
all add stress to your vehicle. Whether you're driving through the mountains
or cruising the town of Bedrock, proper maintenance
can help you maximize your miles per gallon — not to mention help you save a few "yabba dabba"
dollars along the way.
For more information, visit Valvoline. |
