Auto Talk:
Maximizing fuel efficiency

By John Paul

You want to reduce your fuel costs, but you’re not in a position to upgrade your vehicle. So, is there anything you can do with the car you have? Yes—almost any car can become a little more efficient.

Start with the basics: Tire pressure should be checked every two to three weeks. Keeping tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.

When replacing the tires, have the wheels aligned to reduce drag. Consider buying tires with a low rolling resistance (LRR). LRR tires won’t provide huge gains in fuel economy, but some tests have shown a one- to two-mile-per-gallon improvement.

Although the term "tune-up" is passe, today’s computer—controlled vehicles still need maintenance. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule. Something as simple as a dirty air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%, and a misfiring spark plug can account for as much as 30%. Although some spark plugs can last as long as 100,000 miles, even those will need changing eventually.

Using the proper type of oil can also have a fuel savings benefit. For example, using 10W-30 oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your mileage by 1-2%. Check that you are using the type recommended in the owner’s manual, and look for oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol—this means it contains friction-reducing additives. Switching to synthetic oil sometimes provides a minor improvement in fuel economy.

Change the oil in your car on schedule. Again, check the manual-the correct schedule for your vehicle may not be the old standard "Every 3,000 miles or three months."

A lighter vehicle is more fuel-efficient. Carrying 100 pounds of excess weight can reduce fuel economy by 2%, so clean out any items in the trunk that don’t need to be there. If your vehicle has a roof storage box or rack that you seldom use, removing it will reduce some weight and greatly improve aerodynamic efficiency.

How you drive is perhaps the most important of all. Aggressive driving can dramatically reduce fuel economy. Avoid jackrabbit starts—go easy on the gas and brakes.

Finally, combine trips when possible. Planning your driving will reduce fuel use, give you more time to do other things and keep a little more cash in your pocket.

AAA Connection
Visit www.aaa.com/automotive for more car care tips, resources and free online tools like Auto Manager to help you keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.



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