Fuel Efficiency
Simple Steps to Improve Fuel Economy

A trip to the gas pump can be a shocking financial experience, especially if your ride is a full-size truck or SUV. Chances are you are not comfortable with the mileage, but you are unwilling to give up all that comfort or pulling capacity. Maybe it's an older vehicle that is not as efficient. Smaller vehicles can guzzle gas, too. There are some things you can do to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Saving at the Pump
The first savings can be at the gas pump. Don't purchase a higher octane fuel than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Doing so will not improve your gas mileage or performance. Instead, it may actually hurt the engine performance. Gasoline is rated on an Antiknock Index (AKI), which is a measure of octane quality.TThe AKI of the fuel is the average Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON).Optimum engine performance and economy are achieved when the AKI of the fuel is adequate to prevent engine knock. Actually, the poor volatility of some higher octane premium grade fuels can result in rough idle, hesitation, surging, backfiring and stalling in some vehicles.

Speed Matters
Gas mileage decreases rapidly when the vehicle is driven above 60 mph. At 70 mph the fuel consumption increases by as much as 20%, and continues to increase with higher speeds. Some self-discipline and a good cruise control unit can really make a difference in fuel mileage. Take advantage of overdrive gears, as it slows the engine speed. Avoiding unnecessary braking and hard acceleration can improve mileage up to 10%.

Fuel Economy Facts
a) Avoid prolonged idling, as the vehicle gets zero mileage.
b) It is not necessary to warm your engine to normal operating temperature before driving. A 30-second warm-up in the winter is sufficient. Any more is a waste of fuel and it increases exhaust emissions.
c) Lighten the load in the trunk. An extra 100 lbs. of excess weight can reduce the fuel economy up to 2%. Over a period of time this can make quite a difference.
d) Approximately 15% of the energy from the fuel in your vehicle is used to power your vehicle down the road and provide you air conditioned comfort. The remainder of the energy is lost to driveline inefficiencies, prolonged idling, aero-dynamic drag, rolling resistance, braking, acceleration, etc.

Tune-up
A properly tuned engine can improve the fuel economy by as much as 20%.

Plan your Trips
Drive smart and plan your trips. Combining trips with a fully warmed engine will consume half the fuel required to make the same individual trips, each with a cold engine.

Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires will increase fuel consumption. One tire under-inflated by 8 psi may increase fuel consumption by 4%. Four low tires can really be a drag. Increasing the air pressure may firm up the ride, and it will improve fuel economy. It will increase the tire mileage too.

Oil & Filter Change
Good vehicle maintenance is critical in maximizing the life of the engine. Clean engine oil reduces friction, and the detergents remove harmful engine deposits. Using the lowest multi-grade oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can improve fuel efficiency, especially in cold climate conditions.

Air Filter
Approximately ten thousand gallons of air is required to burn one gallon of fuel. That's a lot of air. A clean air filter is critical in achieving good fuel economy. The vehicle manufacturers specify a normal or severe service filter replacement interval. Severe service is where most trips are 10 miles or less, during extreme cold temperatures, frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic, in dusty conditions, towing a trailer, or a vehicle used for delivery, police, taxi, or other commercial applications. In addition to improved fuel economy, a clean filter reduces the potential for harmful contaminates being ingested into the engine, resulting in costly engine or turbocharger damage, if equipped. A restricted air filter can increase the fuel consumption by as much as 10%.

Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can affect engine performance, which affects fuel economy. Also, a plugged fuel filter can burn up an expensive electric fuel pump. Change the filter at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval, unless a contaminated fuel condition requires a more frequent replacement. Be aware that special filters are required for flex fuel vehicles. For example, a vehicle that uses E85 fuel (85% ethanol) may require a filter constructed of stainless steel.

Cooling System Maintenance
Keeping the engine at its optimal operating temperature is imperative. Operating an engine out of this range can promote increased fuel consumption, harmful engine knocking conditions, high emissions and accelerated engine wear. Check all belts, hoses, and fluid levels. Check the freeze protection of the antifreeze. Flush the cooling system, and replace the antifreeze at the proper replacement interval to keep the lubricants and metal conditioning additives at a safe level. Make certain the A/C condenser and radiator are clear of debris to prevent overheating.

Some basic maintenance and a little discipline can add several miles to a gallon of gas.