Eco-Friendly Hacks to Improve Fuel Efficiency This Summer
August 25, 2023
6 min read
The sun is shining, the highway is calling, and your car is ready for adventure—but is your wallet? Summer road trips and vacations can take a toll on your fuel efficiency. Like a siren song, the open road beckons you to push the pedal down and feel the wind in your hair.
Before you hear the sweet melody of better gas mileage singing you to savings, resist the urge to floor it. Have no fear—you can still have fun in the summer sun without burning through cash. With a few easy tips, you can become a mileage master and go the distance without going broke.
Understanding Summer’s Impact on Gas Mileage
The dog days of summer can put a dent in your car's fuel efficiency. Between trips to the beach, camping getaways, and joy rides with the windows down, your gas mileage takes a hit once temperatures rise. But you can still maximize MPG and save money on gas during summer. Here are a few simple preparations and driving adjustments you can counteract the effects of summer heat and humidity on your vehicle:
1. Hot Engine Fluids Cause More Friction
The high temperatures of summer cause engine oil and transmission fluid to become less dense. This thinner fluid increases friction and drag in the engine, forcing it to work harder and use more fuel.
2. Air Conditioning Places Extra Load on Engine
Running the AC compressor creates additional load on the engine to pump refrigerant through the system. Constant AC use can lower gas mileage by up to 25%, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
3. Underinflated Tires and Dirty Filters Worsen Efficiency
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Dirty air filters also cause the engine to burn more fuel to overcome restricted airflow.
4. Less Dense Air = Less Drag
The hot, less dense air of summer results in slightly less aerodynamic drag on the vehicle at highway speeds. This can counterbalance efficiency losses.
5. Staying on Top of Maintenance for the Best MPG
Checking fluid levels, tire inflation, and replacing dirty filters helps keep all systems running efficiently and minimizes summer's impact on MPG.
6. Minimizing AC Use to Improve Efficiency
Parking in shaded areas helps keep the interior cool, allowing you to avoid constant AC use. Turning it off or using the recirculate mode while driving also improves efficiency.
Preventive Maintenance for Better Gas Mileage
Improving your gas mileage is frequently linked to preventive maintenance, a set of procedures designed to retain your vehicle's performance and extend its life. You can avert major problems substantially lowering your car's fuel efficiency by consistently tackling minor issues. Here are some crucial factors to consider:
1. Knowing Your Vehicle's Needs
Every vehicle has specific maintenance needs based on its make, model, age, and usage. Modern vehicles often have sensors such as the Mass Air Flow Sensor and Oxygen Sensor. If these become faulty, they can significantly reduce your gas mileage. Therefore, it's crucial to understand your vehicle's particular requirements and schedule regular check-ups accordingly.
2. Tire Care and Alignment
Maintaining your tire health is another critical aspect of preventive maintenance. Properly inflated and well-aligned tires help your vehicle move more efficiently, reducing the amount of fuel needed to power your journey. In fact, correct tire inflation alone can save up to 3% on gas mileage.
3. Regular Oil Changes
Oil changes are one of the most important preventive maintenance services. Regular oil changes not only keep your engine running smoothly but also contribute to improved gas mileage. Using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil can increase your gas mileage by 1% to 2%.
4. Engine and Transmission Care
Maintaining your engine and transmission is essential. Regular tune-ups can enhance your fuel efficiency by up to 4%. Such tune-ups usually include changing spark plugs and air filters, both of which, when in optimal condition, can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
5. Fuel System Service
Consider having your fuel injection system serviced every 15,000 miles. This service helps prevent carbon build-up and deposits that restrict fuel flow and degrade engine performance, thereby improving fuel economy.
Driving Habits and Gas Mileage
Your driving habits significantly affect your vehicle's gas mileage, meaning the way you handle your car can either save or waste fuel. Here are some habits to be aware of:
1. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, which includes speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking, can severely impact your gas mileage. Such behavior can reduce gas mileage by approximately 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Idling
Idling for extended periods is another habit that can negatively affect your fuel efficiency. When your car is running but not moving, it's consuming fuel without covering any distance, directly reducing your miles per gallon (MPG).
3. Avoiding Cruise Control
Not using cruise control when it's appropriate can also decrease your fuel efficiency. The cruise control maintains a constant speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can waste fuel.
4. Overusing the Air Conditioner
Excessive use of the air conditioner can put more strain on your engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption. While comfort is important, try to use the air conditioning sparingly and consider using the vehicle's ventilation system when possible.
5. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is not just about the physical health of your vehicle; it also affects your driving habits. For instance, underinflated tires might make the vehicle harder to steer, leading to more aggressive driving. Regular check-ups can help maintain optimal driving conditions and promote better driving habits.
Stretching Your Fuel Budget with Insider MPG Tips
Optimizing fuel efficiency is not only beneficial for your wallet, but it also contributes to environmental conservation efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some strategies to use fuel more efficiently:
1. Ensure regular maintenance.
Routine maintenance is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's fuel efficiency. This includes timely oil changes, checking tire pressure, and replacing air filters. A well-maintained car runs more smoothly and uses less fuel.
2. Practice smart driving habits.
Adopting efficient driving habits can significantly improve your fuel consumption. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, maintain a steady speed, and avoid idling when possible.
3. Plan your routes.
Pre-planning your routes can help bypass congested traffic, reducing unnecessary idling and stop-and-go situations that increase fuel consumption. Utilizing GPS or navigation apps can assist in identifying the most fuel-efficient paths.
4. Use cruise control.
Cruise control can be beneficial on long highway drives as it maintains a constant speed, preventing unnecessary fluctuations that can waste fuel. However, it's less effective on hilly terrain, where it might cause your vehicle to accelerate excessively.
5. Limit air conditioner use.
While comfort is important, excessive air conditioner use can increase fuel consumption. Try using the vehicle's ventilation system when possible, and reserve air conditioning for extremely hot days.
6. Carry only what you need.
Carrying excess weight in your vehicle can reduce its fuel efficiency. Aim to keep your car tidy and remove any unneeded items, particularly heavy ones.
7. Choose an efficient vehicle.
When shopping for a new car, prioritize fuel efficiency in your considerations. Hybrid and electric vehicles are emerging as popular and cost-effective choices.
Hot Weather, Cool Fuel Efficiency
With just a few simple changes, you can maximize your car's fuel efficiency during the summer driving season. Focus on driving gently, minimizing AC usage, keeping up with maintenance, and modifying your vehicle to reduce drag. Little things like avoiding excess idling, consolidating trips, and removing extra weight make a surprising difference in gas mileage over time.
Follow these tips for keeping more money in your wallet while still enjoying all your summer travel plans. A fuel-efficient vehicle means more funds for fun in the sun. With better gas mileage, you can go the extra mile to have your best summer road trip ever!
