5 ways to make your vehicle more fuel efficient

A small investment now can save you money in the future

Over the last decade, fuel economy has become an important factor for many car buyers and has become a focus for car engineers as well. Even if you aren’t in the market to buy a new, more fuel efficient car, there are a few ways you can increase your car’s fuel efficiency with a few minor changes.

1. Ease up on the Gas

If you’re zooming off from stop signs and lights, you’re wasting a good deal of gas. Ease up a little bit at those stopping points and coast when you can, and you will save on your gas economy.

2. Use Recommended Octane

Using the recommended octane. Even if it is lower, it means your car is running most efficiently. A higher octane really does nothing for your fuel economy; it’s more for preventing dangerous combustion.

3. Aerodynamics

To reduce weight, clean out the unnecessary junk in your car and get rid of the roof rack that you’re not using. Changing your tires to a light weight, light resistance tire will also help by creating less of a load and less resistance, allowing your car to run more efficiently. Also, check your tires to make sure that they are properly filled, as low tires means more friction.

4. Keep up with your Maintenance

Keeping your maintenance up to date helps your car stay in top condition and last longer. This includes keeping your engine and fuel components working at their best with regular filter changes, oil changes, rotation and balance of your tires, and replacement of spark plugs. Keeping fuel levels at their proper levels helps with this as well. You can also use fuel injectors in order to keep your fuel tank clean and combusting properly.

5. Remap your Engine Control Unit (ECU)

You can also remap your ECU. This takes some knowledge on tuning and working with your car’s computer system, but if you know how, or know someone who does, it can make a big difference in the amount of fuel your car is consuming.

With a combination of these changes, you could potentially save up to 15% in fuel consumption meaning a 15% decrease in the amount you spend on fuel equaling around $400 a year or more.