Keeping up with routine maintenance can be the difference between several MPG!
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Change You Oil: It is important to routinely change your engine oil and oil filter at the manufacture's recommended intervals. Engine oil is subject to thermal breakdown and loses its viscosity over time. A well lubricated engine will run smoother and more efficient. Routine oil changes will help to ensure your engine is running in top condition.
Fuel Filter: Over time fuel fitlers become clogged and no longer flow at the rate your engine requires. By making it harder for your engine to pump fuel, you are lowering your engine's performance and fuel economy. Make sure the filter gets replaced at the manufacture's recommended intervals.
Air Filter: Air filters are vital to your engines fuel economy, and a dirty filter will not flow a sufficient amount of air, killing your performance and fuel economy. Make sure to check the condition of your air filter at every other oil change. If it becomes dark and full of dust, replace it. Even better, upgrade to a reusable air filter and save the replacement costs!
Mass Airflow Sensor: The mass airflow sensor measure the rate of air flowing into the engine so that the fuel management system can deliver the engine with the right amount of fuel. If this becomes dirty, the measurements may not be correct and you could be losing fuel mileage. For the DIY'er, cleaning is as simple as taking it off and spraying it with the proper electrical solvent. However, be careful, as this mechanism is delicate and expensive to replace!
Tire Pressure: Tire pressure has an amazing effect on fuel economy. Properly inflated tires provide the least amount of rolling resistance. Improperly inflated tires have been seen to decrease fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. However, make sure not to over-inlfate your tires; this makes your vehicle unsafe to operate and will not get you better fuel economy. All tires are labeled with the PSI at which they should be inflated.
Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are essential for complete combustion to occur. Insufficient spark across the plug will result in poor, incomplete combustion, and therefore lower fuel economy. Make sure to get your spark plugs changed at the recommended intervals. Your engine will perform better, run smoother, start easier, and get better fuel economy if the spark plugs are in good condition.
Ignition Timing And Components: This does not apply to most computer controlled vehicles and vehicles equipped with computer controlled ignition systems. However, for older vehicles and those vehicles equipped with distributors, ignition timing is an important factor in maintaining good fuel economy. If your timing is too retarded or advanced, your engine may not be running less efficient. Set the timing to factory specs and make sure your ignition components are all in good condition to ensure optimum performance.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Driving for better fuel economy
How you drive is the most influential factor on fuel economy. Follow these tips to ensure that you are driving for the best gas mileage possible.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
1. Heavy acceleration and aggressive driving will dramatically increase fuel consumption. Be patient, accelerate at a moderate speed, and resist the urge to pass in order to maximize fuel economy.
2. Lighten your load. The more weight in your vehicle, the more effort it takes your engine to accelerate and keep constant speed. Remove heavy items from your vehicle to risk wasting precious fuel.
3. Every vehicle achieves maximum efficiency at a different speed. However, for most vehicles, driving faster then 55 miles per hour will decrease your fuel economy 0.1 mpg for every 1 MPH increase over 55. This is due to increased engine RPM and reduced aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds. For best fuel economy, stay under 55. On the freeway, drive the speed limit.
4. Idling gets you 0 miles to gallon. As a general rule of thumb, turn the vehicle off if you will be idle for more then 1 minute. Allowing your vehicle to idle excessively will lower your fuel economy.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with one, use the cruise control. Your vehicle's computer will keep you moving at a constant speed more efficiently then the driver will.
6. For vehicles equipped with overdrive, make sure it is on. Overdrive gears lower engine RPM at cruising speed, therefore consuming less fuel.
7. Avoid excessive traffic at all costs. Plan your trips so that you can be on the road with the least amount of traffic as possible. Avoiding stop and go traffic will help your fuel economy.
8. using the air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, therefore reducing fuel mileage. However, having the windows rolled down at highway speeds will lower fuel mileage more so than using the air conditioning. At slower speeds, keep the windows down. But at highway speeds, do not be afraid to use the AC.
9. Combine errands to reduce the amount of miles you drive. Save time, money, and reduce fuel consumption.
10. Remove roof racks and carrier crates from your vehicle to decrease wind resistance.
11. Carpooling can cut your weekly fuel costs in half.
12. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your vehicle is well maintained. Keeping your engine running properly and efficiently will ensure you are getting the best mileage.
13. If your commute is long enough, it may be in your best interest to trade in the gas-guzzler for a hybrid, diesel, or other more efficient vehicle.
14. As you drive, make sure to monitor fuel prices at the local gas stations. Two stations a block apart could be selling fuel for very different prices.
15. Do not increase speed or throttle position on hills. Do not be afraid to lose speed uphill and coast down hill.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
1. Heavy acceleration and aggressive driving will dramatically increase fuel consumption. Be patient, accelerate at a moderate speed, and resist the urge to pass in order to maximize fuel economy.
2. Lighten your load. The more weight in your vehicle, the more effort it takes your engine to accelerate and keep constant speed. Remove heavy items from your vehicle to risk wasting precious fuel.
3. Every vehicle achieves maximum efficiency at a different speed. However, for most vehicles, driving faster then 55 miles per hour will decrease your fuel economy 0.1 mpg for every 1 MPH increase over 55. This is due to increased engine RPM and reduced aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds. For best fuel economy, stay under 55. On the freeway, drive the speed limit.
4. Idling gets you 0 miles to gallon. As a general rule of thumb, turn the vehicle off if you will be idle for more then 1 minute. Allowing your vehicle to idle excessively will lower your fuel economy.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with one, use the cruise control. Your vehicle's computer will keep you moving at a constant speed more efficiently then the driver will.
6. For vehicles equipped with overdrive, make sure it is on. Overdrive gears lower engine RPM at cruising speed, therefore consuming less fuel.
7. Avoid excessive traffic at all costs. Plan your trips so that you can be on the road with the least amount of traffic as possible. Avoiding stop and go traffic will help your fuel economy.
8. using the air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, therefore reducing fuel mileage. However, having the windows rolled down at highway speeds will lower fuel mileage more so than using the air conditioning. At slower speeds, keep the windows down. But at highway speeds, do not be afraid to use the AC.
9. Combine errands to reduce the amount of miles you drive. Save time, money, and reduce fuel consumption.
10. Remove roof racks and carrier crates from your vehicle to decrease wind resistance.
11. Carpooling can cut your weekly fuel costs in half.
12. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your vehicle is well maintained. Keeping your engine running properly and efficiently will ensure you are getting the best mileage.
13. If your commute is long enough, it may be in your best interest to trade in the gas-guzzler for a hybrid, diesel, or other more efficient vehicle.
14. As you drive, make sure to monitor fuel prices at the local gas stations. Two stations a block apart could be selling fuel for very different prices.
15. Do not increase speed or throttle position on hills. Do not be afraid to lose speed uphill and coast down hill.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Aftermarket Parts & Fuel Economy
Aftermarket Performance Parts can greatly increase your fuel economy. The products listed below are some of the easiest, most common, and most effective modifications you can perform to greatly increase your engine efficiency, and consequently, increase your fuel mileage.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Aftermarket Exhaust: The stock exhaust systems found on most cars and trucks are a great source of restriction. This restriction, known as back pressure, greatly decreases the efficiency of your vehicle. Aftermarket exhaust mufflers and systems greatly reduce backpressure, increasing the efficiency of the engine and therefore increasing the fuel economy. Exhaust systems utilize free flowing exhaust tubing and high flow mufflers to reduce backpressure. Another, though more expensive option, is to add a high flow catalytic converter (or converters) to complete your system for maximum efficiency. Most manufactures claim a 1-2 mpg increase.
Aftermarket Air Intakes/Filters: Aftermarket intake systems and filters are less restrictive then stock. Installing a free flowing aftermarket intake kit allows your engine to breathe easier, making it work less to suck air into the combustion chambers of the engine. By working less on the intake stroke, the engine gains performance and fuel economy. As an added bonus, most aftermarket filters are reusable, so you save on maintenance costs! For an even greater boost in fuel economy, combine an aftermarket intake and exhaust system, which will allow your engine to breathe in and out freely. Fuel economy increases vary by application.
Programmers: Programmers, also known as chips or modules, reprogram your vehicle to run more efficiently. Programmers adjust things like valve timing, shift points, and fuel delivery to maximize your engines efficiency and increase the fuel economy of your vehicle. Programmers are a safe and effective way to noticeably increase fuel economy. Expect even more gains when combined with an aftermarket exhaust system and intake kit. Available for computer controlled vehicles only.
Electric Fans: Electric fans replace your vehicles crankshaft driven fans. Eliminating the crankshaft driven fan mans means decreased engine load, which translates into less fuel necessary for operation. Electric fans are electronically controlled and provide your engine with adequate cooling while increasing your fuel mileage by reducing the load placed onto the engine at idle and low speed operation where the cooling fan may be engaged. Fuel mileage increases vary by application, however electric fans are a favorite amongst those looking to achieve increased performance and fuel economy.
Underdrive Pulleys: Underdrive pulleys reduce the size of one or multiple pulleys on your vehicles serpentine pulley system. By reducing the size of the pulleys that run your vehicles accessories, less stress is put on the engine to run your accessories (alternator, water pump, etc). Installing underdrive pulleys is a stretch for the DIY'er, so it may need to be done by a certified mechanic, and it requires the purchase and use of a new, smaller belt. However, underdrive pulleys maintain stock cooling and electrical characteristics while increasing performance and fuel economy.
Synthetic Motor Oil: Synthetic oils are artificial motor oils, manufactured from elements not found in crude oil. Synthetic motor oils provide better lubrication than petroleum based oils (also known as conventional motor oil) and have many benefits over traditional motor oils. Synthetic oils are more resistant to thermal deterioration; that is, conventional oils break down over time due to the heat created by your engine. Synthetic oils are more expensive than conventional, however, oil change intervals are increased with synthetic motor oils, therefore offsetting the additional cost. Furthermore, synthetic motor oils offer superior lubrication, which allows your engine to run more smoothly, decreasing the resistance caused by contact of moving parts. By reducing this resistance, synthetic motor oils can improve your overall fuel economy. Most new cars use synthetic motor oil, however, those that do not could greatly benefit from synthetic motor oil.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Author: Teal Reid, www.fuelmileagehelp.com webmaster.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Aftermarket Exhaust: The stock exhaust systems found on most cars and trucks are a great source of restriction. This restriction, known as back pressure, greatly decreases the efficiency of your vehicle. Aftermarket exhaust mufflers and systems greatly reduce backpressure, increasing the efficiency of the engine and therefore increasing the fuel economy. Exhaust systems utilize free flowing exhaust tubing and high flow mufflers to reduce backpressure. Another, though more expensive option, is to add a high flow catalytic converter (or converters) to complete your system for maximum efficiency. Most manufactures claim a 1-2 mpg increase.
Aftermarket Air Intakes/Filters: Aftermarket intake systems and filters are less restrictive then stock. Installing a free flowing aftermarket intake kit allows your engine to breathe easier, making it work less to suck air into the combustion chambers of the engine. By working less on the intake stroke, the engine gains performance and fuel economy. As an added bonus, most aftermarket filters are reusable, so you save on maintenance costs! For an even greater boost in fuel economy, combine an aftermarket intake and exhaust system, which will allow your engine to breathe in and out freely. Fuel economy increases vary by application.
Programmers: Programmers, also known as chips or modules, reprogram your vehicle to run more efficiently. Programmers adjust things like valve timing, shift points, and fuel delivery to maximize your engines efficiency and increase the fuel economy of your vehicle. Programmers are a safe and effective way to noticeably increase fuel economy. Expect even more gains when combined with an aftermarket exhaust system and intake kit. Available for computer controlled vehicles only.
Electric Fans: Electric fans replace your vehicles crankshaft driven fans. Eliminating the crankshaft driven fan mans means decreased engine load, which translates into less fuel necessary for operation. Electric fans are electronically controlled and provide your engine with adequate cooling while increasing your fuel mileage by reducing the load placed onto the engine at idle and low speed operation where the cooling fan may be engaged. Fuel mileage increases vary by application, however electric fans are a favorite amongst those looking to achieve increased performance and fuel economy.
Underdrive Pulleys: Underdrive pulleys reduce the size of one or multiple pulleys on your vehicles serpentine pulley system. By reducing the size of the pulleys that run your vehicles accessories, less stress is put on the engine to run your accessories (alternator, water pump, etc). Installing underdrive pulleys is a stretch for the DIY'er, so it may need to be done by a certified mechanic, and it requires the purchase and use of a new, smaller belt. However, underdrive pulleys maintain stock cooling and electrical characteristics while increasing performance and fuel economy.
Synthetic Motor Oil: Synthetic oils are artificial motor oils, manufactured from elements not found in crude oil. Synthetic motor oils provide better lubrication than petroleum based oils (also known as conventional motor oil) and have many benefits over traditional motor oils. Synthetic oils are more resistant to thermal deterioration; that is, conventional oils break down over time due to the heat created by your engine. Synthetic oils are more expensive than conventional, however, oil change intervals are increased with synthetic motor oils, therefore offsetting the additional cost. Furthermore, synthetic motor oils offer superior lubrication, which allows your engine to run more smoothly, decreasing the resistance caused by contact of moving parts. By reducing this resistance, synthetic motor oils can improve your overall fuel economy. Most new cars use synthetic motor oil, however, those that do not could greatly benefit from synthetic motor oil.
For more information on increasing your fuel mileage, please visit www.fuelmileagehelp.com
Author: Teal Reid, www.fuelmileagehelp.com webmaster.
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