Methods To Increase Your Fuel Economy

Gas prices continuously rise throughout the United States, forcing drivers to cut back on going out and limit their time on the road. However, this doesn't have to be the case for you. There are many ways to reduce energy spending and increase fuel economy. So continue reading to gain insight on all the ways you can start saving money today!

Leave Extra Items At Home

The first method on this list is one that most drivers overlook. Leaving extra payload weight within your vehicle can have an impact on your fuel economy. Again, it goes unnoticed, but an additional 100 pounds within your car can reduce your overall mileage by up to 1%. Of course, smaller vehicles will be more affected by this than larger ones, but it is handy to remember that every 100 pounds within your car can result in 3 cents more per gallon.

Reduce Pressure On Your Pedal

When driving, it is essential to realize that speeding, braking, and acceleration are gas-wasting factors contributing to more money spent at the pump. In addition, sporadic driving habits can negatively affect the fuel economy by 15% to 30%. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you're driving at an average speed and not suddenly braking and accelerating, you can acquire gas savings between 31 cents and $1.24 per gallon.

Turn Off The Car

Most people undermine the effect of idling your vehicle. However, this surprisingly has a significant impact on gas consumed every year. Drivers who idle within their vehicle deplete more gas than you think. If you are going to idle in your car or happen to be waiting for more than 10 seconds, it is recommended to turn off the vehicle as it can burn as much as a one-gallon each hour, and turning off your car can save 3 cents per minute.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Some contributing factors to poor fuel economy include dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and connections. Though there are a handful of factors, some of the most valuable things you can do start with checking your vehicle's alignment. Misaligned tires drag instead of rolling freely. If there is improper alignment, it can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Another critical factor consists of replacing your spark plug. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence states that bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30% 

Check Tire Pressure

This tip coincides with maintenance but is important enough to affect your overall fuel economy significantly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted due to under-inflated tires. Tires can lose about 2 PSI per month. You can follow the guidelines within your vehicle's owner's manual, where you can find the proper PSI for each tire. Once that is found, you can visit your local gas station, where free air is provided to help get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Mazda of Lodi Is Here To Help

When receiving the best fuel economy, one of the most valuable tips is ensuring your Mazda is running in pristine condition. Our service center is ready to assist you with any problems at a moment's notice. We can handle numerous service requests and will help you get the most out of your visit with our competitive pricing and overall experience. So be sure to schedule an appointment online or visit our service center today!