Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Fuel Economy

There’s maintenance, financing and even parking if you live in a congested area. Don’t speed or run a red light because that will cost you dearly as well; and don’t even think about insurance. Full coverage doesn’t just cost an arm and a leg these days, but enough first-born children to keep Rumpelstiltskin happy long past retirement.

Of course fuel economy is another way vehicles squeeze their drivers. Nobody wants to drop a C-note every other day just to top off their tank. Greater efficiency is why people buy diesels, put up with hybrids and trade down to smaller vehicles. It’s also the reason they carpool and take the bus.

Aside from doing anything drastic, like *shudder* relying on public transportation, there are numerous simple things you can do right now that will save money at the pump. Behold, the Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Fuel Economy!

Vehicles with start/stop systems build on this idea by killing the engine when you’re halted and seamlessly (usually) restarting it when forward movement is called for once again. If you’re shopping for a new ride, see if you can get one with this technology; it can dramatically improve efficiency in heavy traffic and urban conditions.

SEE ALSO: Is Premium Fuel Better Than Regular?

Running the appropriate grade of fuel is important. If your car calls for regular gasoline, pricey premium isn’t going to do you any good; it just costs more. Likewise, if your vehicle requires something with 93 octane you’re better off ponying up and putting it in. If you don’t it could lead to internal engine damage. To maximize your savings follow manufacturer fuel recommendations.

One way to save fuel is to get the junk out of your trunk, the crap out of your hatch, the belongings out of your bed, etc. Extra weight does neither you nor your vehicle any favors, so quit living like a vagrant. Your wallet/bank account/retirement fund will thank you.

Like a tiny plastic straw, dirty air filters restrict an engine’s ability to breath, robbing it of performance and potentially reducing economy. But don’t fret, there’s good news. These puppies are pretty cheap and they’re generally a snap to replace; oftentimes no tools are required. Go ahead; flip your mechanic the bird. This is one maintenance item you’ve got covered.

Proper inflation pressure is critical to getting the best fuel economy possible. You can imagine the extra resistance there is when a car’s tires are low on air. Unfortunately this isn’t just an efficiency issue; it’s a safety concern as well.

SEE ALSO: How Much Air Should I Put in my Tires?

Automakers spend an enormous amount of time and effort determining the optimum inflation pressure for a given vehicle. Therefore it’s important to follow that number to the, um, letter. You’ll find the correct amount on a special placard, which is usually mounded on the body inside the driver’s door opening.

Fuel efficiency matters and so does safety. Suffice it to say, keep your vehicle’s tires properly pumped up.

SEE ALSO: What Kind of Oil Should I Use?

If you go too long between oil changes the lubricant can thicken and become harder to pump, something that hampers efficient motoring. Additionally, that lackadaisical attitude can cause a host of other problems. Sludge can build up, friction and wear can accelerate and that’s not all. You could be staring down the barrel of a catastrophic mechanical failure. Change the oil according manufacturer recommendations and your vehicle will reward you with faithful service and better economy.

Despite how frustrating that “double nickel” limit was the logic behind it is sound. Fuel mileage typically falls off a cliff at speeds faster than 50 MPH. Driving more slowly can dramatically increase your miles per gallon. Give yourself a little extra time, save a lot at the gas station.