How to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency with Simple Maintenance
Have you ever noticed that your car seems to guzzle gas faster than usual? With gas prices constantly fluctuating, making your car as fuel-efficient as possible is a smart way to save money. The good news is that improving fuel efficiency isn’t just about changing the way you drive—it’s also about taking care of your car with regular maintenance.
At Schimpf’s Garage, we know how important it is to keep your vehicle running at its best. Whether you drive a small sedan or a heavy-duty commercial truck, proper upkeep can make a huge difference. Here’s how some simple maintenance steps can help you get the most out of every gallon.
1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Did you know that underinflated tires can hurt your fuel economy? When your tires aren’t at the right pressure, your engine has to work harder to move the car forward, which burns more fuel.
What to do:
- Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a tire gauge.
- Follow the recommended pressure listed in your car’s owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame.
- Inflate tires to the proper level—don’t overinflate or underinflate them.
Properly inflated tires don’t just improve gas mileage; they also make your car safer and help your tires last longer!
2. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your car’s engine needs clean air to function properly. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, making your engine work harder and burn more gas.
How to maintain it:
- Check your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (or as recommended in your manual).
- If it’s dirty, replace it—this is an easy and inexpensive fix.
- If you drive in dusty conditions, check it more frequently.
A clean air filter helps your engine “breathe” better, which can improve both fuel efficiency and overall performance.
3. Get Regular Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It keeps everything lubricated and running smoothly. Dirty or old oil creates friction, which forces your engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency.
How to keep your oil in check:
- Stick to the recommended oil change schedule in your owner’s manual.
- Use the right type of oil for your vehicle—some oils are specifically designed to improve fuel economy.
- If you drive a commercial vehicle, regular oil changes are even more critical for performance and longevity.
Fresh oil ensures that your engine runs efficiently, preventing unnecessary fuel waste.
4. Replace Spark Plugs as Needed
Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine, creating the power needed to move your car. If your spark plugs are worn out, they won’t ignite fuel properly, leading to wasted gas and poor engine performance.
Signs your spark plugs need replacing:
- Your car struggles to start.
- You notice a drop in fuel economy.
- The engine misfires or runs rough.
Most spark plugs last between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for specifics. Replacing them at the right time will keep your engine running efficiently and improve fuel economy.
5. Keep Your Fuel System Clean
Over time, dirt, carbon deposits, and debris can build up in your fuel system, affecting how efficiently your car burns gas. A clean fuel system allows for better combustion and improved mileage.
How to maintain your fuel system:
- Use a fuel system cleaner every few thousand miles.
- Replace the fuel filter according to your car’s recommendations.
- Have a professional clean your fuel injectors if you notice sluggish acceleration or poor fuel economy.
A well-maintained fuel system ensures that every drop of gas is used efficiently!
6. Ensure Proper Wheel Alignment
If your wheels are misaligned, your car has to work harder to move in a straight line, leading to increased fuel consumption. Misalignment can happen over time due to potholes, curb bumps, or normal wear and tear.
What to do:
- Get your wheel alignment checked at least once a year.
- If you notice uneven tire wear, drifting, or a shaky steering wheel, get an alignment sooner.
- For commercial vehicles, consider a mobile alignment service like the one offered by Schimpf’s Garage to minimize downtime.
Proper alignment reduces drag and helps your tires last longer, saving you money in multiple ways.
7. Lighten Your Load
The more weight your car carries, the more fuel it uses. If you’re driving around with unnecessary heavy items in your trunk, you’re burning extra gas for no reason.
Easy ways to reduce weight:
- Remove heavy tools, equipment, or unnecessary cargo.
- Empty out your trunk and backseat of anything you don’t need for your trip.
- Avoid using roof racks or carriers unless absolutely necessary—they create wind resistance, making your car work harder.
A lighter car is a more fuel-efficient car!
8. Reduce Unnecessary Idling
Many people let their car idle for too long, whether they’re warming up the engine or waiting in a drive-thru. But excessive idling wastes fuel and adds unnecessary wear and tear to the engine.
Better alternatives:
- Turn off your engine if you’re waiting for more than a minute.
- Instead of idling to warm up your car in cold weather, drive gently for the first few minutes instead.
- If your car has an automatic start/stop feature, use it to conserve fuel.
Less idling means less wasted gas and more money saved at the pump!
9. Use the Right Motor Oil
Not all motor oils are the same. Some are specifically designed to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.
How to choose the right oil:
- Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type.
- Use synthetic or high-efficiency oils when recommended.
- Avoid using thicker oils than necessary, as they can create more resistance in your engine.
The right oil helps your engine run more smoothly and efficiently, improving your gas mileage over time.
The Bottom Line: Maintenance Saves Money
Regular maintenance might seem like a hassle, but it pays off big time. By following these simple tips, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency, save money on gas, and extend the life of your vehicle.
At Schimpf’s Garage, we specialize in keeping cars and commercial vehicles running at their best. Whether you need a tune-up, an alignment, or a full diagnostic check, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get the most out of every gallon!
Book online or call us now to keep your car in top shape!
