HOW TO INCREASE GAS MILEAGE
Drive Smart
Keeping a constant speed while driving can get you 10-40% better gas mileage. Use cruise control while driving on the highway and avoid excessive braking and accelerating in city traffic when possible.
Limit A/C Usage
Use your vehicle’s air conditioner as little as possible (within reason). The compressor puts a greater load on the engine, which reduces fuel economy. Park in the shade whenever you can, use a sunshade in your windshield and leave windows cracked for ventilation.
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Monitor Tire Pressure
If the air pressure in your tires is imbalanced or low, your vehicle will burn more gas than necessary. Consult your owner’s manual for the optimal level of inflation and check your tire pressure at regular intervals.
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Remove Extra Weight
Leave non-essentials (especially heavy items) out of your vehicle, particularly if you drive a smaller vehicle. If you’re traveling and can’t avoid a heavy load, put your cargo in the trunk if possible.
Check Air Filter
As an air filter clogs with dirt and debris, airflow becomes restricted and causes a vehicle’s fuel management system to add more gasoline to the mix of fuel and air, lowering gas mileage. Changing a filter that’s clogged will restore the right ratio and help fuel economy.
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Shop Air Filters
Observe the Speed Limit
Driving the speed limit is not only safe and lawful, but traveling at higher speeds decreases fuel economy. Specifics vary from vehicle to vehicle, but fuel efficiency drops increasingly for every mile per hour exceeding 50 mph.
Keep Idling to a Minimum
When your vehicle is parked, turn off your engine to save fuel. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of gas per hour. Anything over 10 seconds’ worth of idling uses more fuel than shutting off and restarting your vehicle.
Change Oil Regularly
Routine oil changes will improve the overall efficiency and gas mileage of your engine by preventing the breakdown of oil and the buildup of sludge that can happen over time.
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Clean Fuel System
A fuel injector/carburetor cleaner is a simple, affordable way to remove carbon deposits and moisture from the fuel system, improving the performance and efficiency of your engine.
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Service or Change Fuel Filter
A dirty fuel filter can limit fuel flow or cause your engine to receive irregular amounts of fuel. This can result in a loss of performance, hard starts, and even decreased fuel efficiency. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your fuel filter, doing so may not only boost your car’s power, but can also increase fuel mileage.
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Shop Fuel Filters
Inspect and Change Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel mixture in the engine to create power. Over time, spark plugs can develop carbon buildup or wear that can limit their power and lead to incomplete combustion. Worn spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30%, and replacing them is one of the best things you can do for your car’s gas mileage.
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Learn Which Spark Plugs Are Best For Your Vehicle
Shop Spark Plugs
Learn Which Spark Plugs Are Best For Your Vehicle
Address Check Engine Light Codes Promptly
Any time the Check Engine light is on in your vehicle, it means something is not operating as it should. No matter whether it’s a failing sensor, an unbalanced fuel mixture, or a misfire, problems associated with a Check Engine light can have a major effect on performance and mileage. Even a loose gas cap that turns the Check Engine light on can lead to fuel vapors escaping while driving. Getting your Check Engine light codes scanned for free at O’Reilly Auto Parts can help you make prompt repairs before these problems affect your driving experience or efficiency.
Learn More About Free Check Engine Light Testing
Learn More About Free Check Engine Light Testing