How to Make My Older Car More Fuel Efficient?

Regardless of what gas costs at the pump, most people want their cars to be as fuel efficient as possible. There are quite a few things that you can do yourself to make any car get better mileage. Implementing these procedures can increase your cars fuel efficiency by 30 to 40 percent.

Instructions

1. Make sure you keep up on regular car maintenance. Don't skip getting your oil changed or your air filters replaced. A dirty filter can increase fuel consumption by 10% and oil with the incorrect viscosity can cause strain on your engine.

2. Check your tire to make sure that they are inflated as much as is recommended. Under-inflated tires results in rolling resistance which causes the vehicle to use more gas. Make sure you check your tires properly with a gauge as under-inflated tires may not appear to be so.

3. Make sure your gas cap is tight. Most caps will offer two clicks when you close them to show you the gas in the tank is sealed in. If the cap isn't as tight as it can be, your gas might be evaporating.

4. Use cruise control when you plan to drive for long stretches. Even if you feel like you are keeping a fairly steady pace, the slightest pressure on the pedal signals for more gas to be pumped into the engine. Using cruise control will keep the gas at a minimum for your chosen speed.

5. Do not allow your vehicle to idle if you will be away from it for more than five minutes. Similarly, if you plan to be at a stop for only a minute or two, do not turn the car off as the gas you will use to turn it back on is more than you would use to idle for that amount of time.

6. Do not drive aggressively. As 50% of the gas in your car is used for acceleration, it is much more fuel efficient to drive steadily and resist the urge to "step on it."

7. Determine whether or not you really need your A/C on. Air conditioning, while a necessity for many, is a major gas guzzler. At some points in the year an open window might give you enough air to stay cool. When you do have the A/C on, make sure you switch it to the setting that recycles the air in your car once the interior has cooled down rather than pulling it in from outside. This will also help improve your fuel efficiency.