Unless you drive an electric vehicle, paying for gas bites deep into your pocket – especially with the rising cost of gas.
Many people are looking for alternative options to save cost and fuel while being able to go about their daily routine. There are habits you can develop to save fuel while driving which can be seen in this article.
You might be asking how maintenance helps you save on gas?
Although changing your driving habits is a great way to save gas, maintenance is very essential to save on gas and improve vehicle performance. And if you do it right you can save some cash in your wallet on gas.
Check out these maintenance tips to help you save a few dollars on gas…
Maintenance Tips to Save Gas
1. Check Your Suspension System
Checking suspension is often overlooked by some drivers. Your suspension system keeps you stable and allows your vehicle not to shake or rumble while driving. This allows you to have a smooth and comfortable ride. If your suspension isn’t in good condition it puts more pressure on your engine – causing you to burn more gas.
Your wheel alignment, shocks, axle, and springs are all connected to your suspension system. If any of them is misaligned, it robs you of more gas affecting your fuel economy. If you notice any of these signs in your vehicle, your suspension is probably bad:
- A bumpy ride
- The vehicle body is unstable
- Uneven tire wear
- Oil on your shocks
If you notice any of these signs, have your suspension system checked by a professional mechanic.
2. Check the Air Filters
Air filters trap dirt and debris, stopping them from getting into your engine. A clogged or dirty air filter limits airflow and puts more pressure on your vehicle’s engine making it burn more gas. Having clean air filters allows free flow of air s your engine requires 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn one liter of fuel.
Some drivers reuse their air filters by simply cleaning when it’s dirty, but this is not an effective way to save fuel. Using a new air filter increases fuel efficiency and acceleration. Replacing your air filters also reduces emissions and prolongs the life of your engine.
Signs that your air filter needs to be replaced:
- Difficulty starting your vehicle
- Engine misfire
- Noise from the fuel pump
- Check engine light comes on
- Stalling engine
- Reduced performance
Send your vehicle to a professional mechanic if you notice any of these signs. It is also best practice to have your air filters replaced regularly to improve fuel efficiency.
3. Check Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs are essential to engine performance – they ignite the engine in order to spark the combustion chamber, generating power. Spark plugs are also essential for better fuel economy. Worn-out spark plugs reduce fuel economy and vehicle performance – while increasing your cost on fuel. The smoother your combustion your engine requires less power and less demand for fuel.
If you notice any of these signs, your spark plugs are likely the problem and require a change:
- Trouble starting
- Engine misfire
- High fuel consumption
- Surging engine
- Trouble or lack of acceleration
Ensure you have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible and have your spark plugs replaced.
4. Check Your Tires
Check your tires and ensure that they are properly inflated with the correct pressure required by the manufacturer. If your tires do not have the right amount of pressure, your vehicle works twice as hard to maintain speed and control – burning more fuel.
Relieve your car from this stress by properly inflating your tires. Monitor your tire pressure to know when it reduces and have them inflated. Check for wear and have them replaced if they are badly worn out. It is also best practice to check your tires every morning
5. Use The Right Oil
Using the right oil is essential to the fuel economy of your vehicle. If you use the wrong oil, your engine gets noisy and you may have difficulty starting your vehicle in cold weather. Make sure to use the required oil in your vehicle’s manual to avoid burning fuel and further damage to other components of your vehicle.
Further Reading
- How to Save Money While Driving your Car
- Top 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Used Cars for You to Buy
- Your 101 Guide to Choosing the Right Electric Vehicle (EV)
- 8 Used Hybrid Vehicles You Can Buy for Under 15,000
Conclusion
Vehicle maintenance is not always something major – simple fixes also have a lot of effect on your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. To save on gas make sure you’re up to date with your maintenance coupled with improved driving habits.
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