5 Ways to Increase Fuel Efficiency in the Winter

Winter can be tough on your vehicle, especially for car owners who live in colder climates. While the majority of trustworthy Mesa mechanics will agree that in Arizona, wintertime is not as much of a concern, it is still a good idea to pay attention to the way you treat your vehicle during the cooler season. The experts at Scottsdale Muffler, a reputable Mesa car repair shop have compiled a short list of ways to increase your fuel efficiency in the winter season and decrease the wear and tear on your vehicle.

1 – PARK IN THE GARAGE

One of the best ways to help your car in the cold weather is to park somewhere warm. If you have a garage or a shop, park your vehicle inside. Even under a carport will make a difference. Any shelter will help, as opposed to your vehicle sitting out in the elements completely unprotected. If you do have to park outside, try not to idle your car too long attempting to warm the engine. The longer your car idles, the more fuel it uses in warming up.

2 – PLAN AHEAD

A simple way to avoid using too much fuel is to plan ahead and clump your errands together. If you have a few different places to visit, try to do it in the same day if they are near each other, rather than wasting time and fuel to drive into town two or three days in a row.

3 – LOWER WIND RESISTANCE

Cut down on wind resistance for your vehicle as much as possible. If you have a roof rack, antennae decoration, or anything else not completely necessary for vehicle function, take it off during the winter season. The higher your wind resistance, the harder your car will have to work, which of course will increase fuel use.

Additionally, remove any extra weight you may be carrying in your vehicle. Most extra weight is completely unnecessary and only contributes to your vehicle working harder to drive.

4 – SEAT WARMERS

While they are cozy and pleasant, seat warmers increase the amount your vehicle has to work to stay warm. For this reason, unless you are freezing cold and need to warm up quickly, avoid using the seat warmers as much as possible.

5 – CHECK YOUR TIRES

Cold weather is a great time to check the tread on your tires and ensure they are in good condition. Check for any damage, overall wear and tear, and be certain they are inflated to the proper pressure. If your tires are being kept in good condition, your fuel efficiency will be greatly increased.

Overall, it is important to have a repair shop perform regular car maintenance on your vehicle. Preventive care goes a long way in avoiding larger and more expensive issues down the road. Scottsdale Muffler is a one-stop auto shop skilled in all types of car maintenance and repair in Tempe. Whether you need preventive maintenance or a winter check-up to ensure a high level of fuel efficiency, our professional mechanics at Scottsdale Muffler can do it all. Bring your vehicle in today and plan ahead for the cooler weather!

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