How to Boost Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency On Arizona Roads

Tips To Get The Highest Possible Gas Mileage For Your Vehicle

While searching for a new vehicle, many people prioritize how many miles per gallon (mpg) the car can get. This is especially helpful as fuel costs continue to rise. But many drivers don’t realize that simple changes can boost their car’s fuel efficiency, which not only maximizes its miles per gallon, but helps your vehicle get the most of its fuel. Try these tips from a top-rated Mesa auto repair shop so you can get the highest possible gas mileage on Arizona’s roads and save yourself a bit of money as well.

Take It Easy On The Gas Pedal

High RPMs as you drive mean low fuel efficiency. If you want to reduce your fuel costs, avoid driving as though you’re on the race track. Slowing down both your overall speed and your acceleration pattern is necessary if you want to improve your car’s gas mileage. For optimum fuel efficiency, avoid driving over 55 mph. Every vehicle is a little different, but generally speaking, fuel efficiency decreases at speeds over 55 mph because of the increased wind friction.

Other than in emergency situations, you should also avoid slamming on the brakes and accelerating very quickly. Be a little more gentle on the gas pedal if you want to boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Only Use The Recommended Motor Oil

It’s important to always use only exactly the right type of motor oil for your vehicle, because engines are designed to work with specific kinds. At best, using the wrong type of oil will create extra friction that forces your engine to work harder and use more fuel. At worst, using the wrong type of motor oil could destroy your vehicle’s engine. If you’re not sure what kind to purchase or how to get the right one, ask your Phoenix mechanic, consult your car’s owner’s manual, or ask at an auto supply store.

Avoid Prolonged Idling

Some drivers believe that it’s better to let your car idle rather than repeatedly turn it on and off. This is true to an extent, especially with older vehicles, but a good rule of thumb is that it’s better to turn your vehicle off if it will need to idle for more than 3 minutes. Newer vehicles don’t need to idle in order to warm up before they start driving, in most circumstances. Remember that your vehicle will not be gaining any miles per gallon while it’s idling instead of moving. Allowing your vehicle to idle for a long time reduces overall fuel economy and isn’t good for your vehicle, either.

Routinely Replace Your Car’s Air Filter & Spark Plugs

Ask your Tempe car repair expert how often you should have your vehicle’s air filter and spark plugs checked and replaced. This will vary depending on what type of vehicle you have and how many miles you drive annually. Replacing these inexpensive parts in your engine will help your vehicle last longer and encourage the engine to use gas more efficiently, improving your vehicle’s fuel economy. For most vehicles, air filter and spark plug replacement is an inexpensive maintenance tasks that costs less than $100.

Monitor Your Vehicle’s Tire Pressure

This is an easy way to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy, and many newer vehicles have sensors that will do the work for you. Driving with underinflated tires often means that the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle, using more gas. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire inflation poundage so that your vehicle can find the sweet spot between inflation and traction. This simple task can mean significant fuel savings. Having tires that are underinflated by as little as 10 PSI can cost you 5 mpg, or more.

To boost your car’s fuel efficiency on Arizona roads, it’s important to get regular Scottsdale car maintenance taken care of by a reputable mechanic. Not only will your vehicle run better, but you’ll get better fuel efficiency and save money in the long run by addressing small repairs before they become bigger issues.

Contact a Reputable Car Care In Tempe

Get the best care for your vehicle at Scottsdale Muffler. As a family owned business, we pride ourselves on honesty, fair pricing, and good customer communication, along with our outstanding repair skills! To schedule your appointment with our trustworthy mechanics, contact Scottsdale Muffler today.