Fuel Economy Tips

New tech, more efficient engines, better fuel all help us save money at the pump, but there’s still more work to be done. Be it your daily driver, new or old, Audra Fordin has some dollars and cents tips that you can try yourself on MotorWeek’s “Your Drive!”

AUDRA FORDIN: Whether you drive the latest car model or something older, here’s some simple savings tips that you can use to maximize your range or fuel economy.

Let’s start with a trick that everyone can do… it’s weight savings! Start by opening the trunk… and cleaning out the junk! Every 100 pounds of extra weight decreases your fuel economy by 2%. Now, this affects smaller, less powerful vehicles more than larger ones. So, don’t stress your little engine out by hauling around extra cargo. If you have a ski rack or a cargo carrier that isn’t being used, consider removing it to save weight. These add-ons increase your aerodynamic drag and decrease fuel economy.

On the topic of aerodynamics, make sure all your vehicle’s undertrays are secured. Not only is this the safe thing to do, but it can, once again, improve airflow. And that leads us to under the hood maintenance. Over time, your car’s air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, which means it’s not doing its job well! But, if you let it get all gummed up, your engine uses more fuel to keep it running smoothly to compensate for that lack of air. So, be sure to change the filter at least once a year.

Moving down low, routinely check your tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can cost you up to 2% in fuel economy. Once you’re on the road, there’s a number of things you can do to keep the mpgs in the green.

We all know traffic is a pain in the butt, but it can also be a pain in the gas! Constant braking and slow acceleration can drain your tank quicker, and idling can use a quarter to a half of a gallon of fuel per hour depending on the engine size and which accessories are running. So, try to avoid and excessive idling and rerouting to avoid traffic when you can.

When you’re on the move, chill out and enjoy the drive. Aggressive and fast driving can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5 % around town. And by the way, sensible driving is also safer. More than money… you may save a life.

Lastly, if your car has an eco-mode, try it out! This setting limits hard acceleration, cuts power delivery, adjusts shift mapping and more.

Pay attention to how it changes the driving dynamics that will give you an idea on how you can change your driving style to save fuel.

If you have any comments or questions, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek.