7 Essential Tips to Reduce Your Car's Fuel Consumption This Summer
Reduce fuel consumption in summer with these proven, expert-backed tips that help you save money while maintaining your vehicle's performance.
Keep Spark Plugs Clean
Dirty or worn spark plugs can increase fuel consumption by 15-20%. However, don't replace them unnecessarily:
- With quality fuel, plugs can last up to 60,000 miles
- Poor quality fuel may require changes as early as 1,200 miles
- Check condition rather than following fixed intervals
Maintain Clean Filters
Air Filter:
- Replace every 12,000-18,000 miles
- Clogged filters reduce engine power and efficiency
- Dirty filters restrict oxygen flow to engine
Fuel Filter:
- Replace alongside air filter
- Crucial for fuel system health
- More frequent changes needed with low-quality fuel
Optimize Tire Pressure
- Check tire pressure monthly
- Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance
- Under-inflated tires increase fuel consumption and wear
- Consider economy tires with fuel-efficient tread patterns
Manage Additional Load
Vehicle accessories impact fuel efficiency:
- Air conditioning
- Audio systems
- Heated seats/mirrors
- Multiple active systems can increase consumption by 15-20%
- Prioritize safety features over fuel savings
Adjust Driving Style
Efficient driving habits:
- Avoid unnecessary stops
- Plan routes to minimize traffic
- Use smooth acceleration and braking
- Avoid coasting in neutral (increases consumption to 11.76 MPG vs 1.15 MPG in gear)
- Maintain steady speeds
Key Takeaways:
- Use high-quality fuel
- Regular maintenance is crucial
- Monitor tire pressure
- Minimize accessory use
- Practice efficient driving techniques
- Modern cars save more fuel in gear than neutral
These practices not only reduce fuel consumption but also extend vehicle life and improve overall performance.