If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the pump lately, you’re not alone. With fuel prices fluctuating and environmental concerns growing, it’s more important than ever to make every litre count. The good news? You don’t need to buy a hybrid or electric car to improve fuel efficiency. By adopting smart maintenance habits, you can significantly cut your fuel consumption, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you’re driving a compact city car or a heavy duty SUV, these practical tips will help you go further with less.
Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s not think about fuel efficiency improvements in terms of rigid checklists or some black and white border between good and bad habits. It’s all about small, ongoing tweaks that add up over time.
Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to improve fuel efficiency is maintaining correct tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
Quick Tip: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and always before long trips. Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the recommended PSI.
A U.S. Department of Energy study found that for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, fuel mileage can lower by 0.2%. That may not sound like much, but across all four tyres and over time, the difference becomes noticeable.
Regular Oil Changes Make a Big Difference
Old, dirty oil can cause your engine to work harder, which leads to increased fuel consumption. Clean oil reduces friction in your engine, helping it to run more efficiently.
Pro Tip: Use the oil grade recommended by your manufacturer. Using heavier oil than necessary can reduce engine performance and fuel economy.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), using the wrong oil grade can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2%.
Replace Air Filters and Spark Plugs
Clogged air filters reduce the amount of clean air that gets to your engine, while worn spark plugs can misfire and waste fuel. Both of these parts play a key role in combustion efficiency.
Maintenance Tip: Inspect your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions. Spark plugs should typically be replaced every 30,000 miles, but always check your owner’s manual.
A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that replacing a clogged air filter can improve acceleration time by 6-11% in modern fuel-injected cars and improve fuel economy in older carbureted cars by as much as 14%.
Watch Your Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause your tyres to wear unevenly and create extra drag. If your car pulls to one side or your steering feels off, it might be time for a wheel alignment.
Why It Matters: Poor alignment increases resistance, which makes your engine burn more fuel to keep up. It also leads to premature tyre wear, costing you more in the long run.
Use Cruise Control Wisely
Using cruise control on flat highways can help maintain a consistent speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking, both of which consume more fuel.
However, avoid using cruise control on hilly terrain. Your vehicle might accelerate too aggressively to maintain speed uphill, which can actually use more fuel.
Lighten Your Load
Carrying excess weight can significantly impact fuel consumption. According to the EPA, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce fuel economy by about 1%.
Actionable Tip: Clean out your boot and remove roof racks or carriers when not in use. These can cause additional drag and reduce your vehicle’s aerodynamics.
Don’t Skip Your Scheduled Maintenance
That little reminder light on your dashboard isn’t just for show. Scheduled maintenance checks ensure that all vehicle systems are running smoothly and efficiently.
What to Check Regularly:
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant levels
- Battery health
All these components, if neglected, can strain your engine or lead to inefficiencies.
Adopt Smart Driving Habits
Even the most well maintained car won’t be fuel efficient if driven aggressively. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding are fuel killers.
Smarter Driving = More Savings:
- Accelerate gradually
- Maintain steady speeds
- Anticipate stops instead of slamming on brakes
According to Natural Resources Canada, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 25%.
Use A Fuel Economy App
Technology can be your best ally. Apps like Fuelly, Drivvo, or your car manufacturer’s own app can help you monitor fuel efficiency, track maintenance, and even suggest improvements based on your driving habits.
Final Thoughts
Maximising your car’s fuel efficiency doesn’t require a major overhaul, just a commitment to regular maintenance and a bit of awareness. From tyre pressure to driving techniques, each small adjustment creates a ripple effect of savings, not just for your wallet but for the environment too.
So, the next time you think about stretching that fuel tank a little further, remember: it’s not just about what you drive, but how you drive and maintain it. Keep your engine happy, and it’ll reward you with more miles for your money.
