Monday, July 30, 2012

Simple Changes for Better Fuel Efficiency


Saving money at the pump is easier to do whenever you are maximizing fuel efficiency. This is something to do not necessarily need to buy hybrid vehicles to get. You can make some simple changes in your vehicle so you will be able to get more out of each tank of gas. Changes can be made whenever taking your car in for auto service or as the only reason you are bringing your vehicle in. By maximizing your fuel efficiency, you will be able to enjoy using your vehicle more.

Changing the Oil Regularly

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without clean oil in the vehicle, you will not be able to operate the engine the way you want to. Oil should be changed on a regular basis using the oil which is recommended for your vehicle rather. Check your owner’s manual allows you to see the kind of oil which is recommended for your vehicle. You may want to use a different weight of oil depending on the season. Lighter oil is more suited to cold temperatures. The first number in any oil product describes the thickness of the oil at zero degrees. The second number indicates the viscosity at 212 degrees. The higher the number is, the better suited it is for warmer weather. Always defer to the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Checking the Steering and Suspension

Steering and suspension is also highly important in the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. This is because the vehicle will be easier to handle when the suspension systems have been properly tuned. You will not have to fight the vehicle to drive straight. Loose suspensions can cause a lot of separation between the wheels and the road. If this happens, you will not be getting as much inertia from the gas you are burning. Pay attention to a feeling of bouncing long after a bump or dip has been encountered. This is an indication that the suspension of your vehicle is off. Also, if you are pulling to one side when trying to drive straight your steering might be off. Getting a tire alignment can help to maintain better steering as you are driving.

Adjusting Electronic Fuel Injection

The electronic fuel injection is integral to better engine performance. If the fuel injection system is off, it may be using too much gas as you accelerate. You will notice this if you smell gasoline as you are driving. If the vehicle seems to be acting sluggish whenever you are accelerating, it is a sign that the electronic fuel injection is not spraying correctly. Making changes in the volume of fuel being injected into the system can help to maximize the fuel being used. There could be a clog in the line including some deposits from the gasoline you are using. You can use a fuel injection cleaner to get rid of some of the deposits which might be in the lines. Simply add the cleaner into your next full tank of gasoline and it will blend with the fuel. The detergent additive cleans the fuel system so you get better performance and less of your fuel is wasted as you are driving down the road.