Fuel economy is important for several reasons. They include reducing your carbon footprint, saving money at the gas pump and reducing your reliance on non-renewable resources. Many drivers may drive across town to determine which station has the lowest prices. But the following four engine maintenance tips are a much easier way to burn less and improve fuel economy.
1. Using the engine oil recommended by the manufacturer
Part of maintaining a manufacturer’s expected fuel economy requires using the correct engine oil. If a vehicle normally uses 10W-30 and wants to save a few dollars with 5W-30, it could cost 2% in fuel economy. Newer cars tend to use lighter motor oil and ensuring proper flow is essential for fuel economy.
Drivers can also choose friction-reducing additives that improve fuel economy. Synthetic oils do much of the same. They have a lower viscosity that can improve fuel economy in most vehicles by reducing engine friction, which also helps during cold weather starts.
2. Periodic adjustments of the engine
Ensuring your vehicle runs efficiently will save you time and money over the life of the car. Also, broken components can steal precious mpg. For example, while not integral to propelling a vehicle down the road, cracked carbon canisters will steal gas mileage.
Vehicle owners should be aware of burnt spark plugs, faulty fuel system sensors, dirty oil and air filters, piston rings and more. Confirming that the engines are not throwing error codes and that all the smaller hardware is clean and in working order can result in 4% fuel savings.
3. Drive more sensibly
Slamming the accelerator pedal is an unmistakable sign of poor fuel economy. The US Department of Energy (USDOE) says that aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by 15% to 30% at highway speeds and by 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic and leaves Weaving in and out of traffic, starting fast, and turning aggressively may make you think you’re going somewhere faster, but it doesn’t shave off much time. In addition, various components such as brakes and tires will wear out more quickly.
The key to saving fuel is to limit rapid acceleration and rapid braking, involving more gradual speed changes. Anticipating obstacles is also vital. For example, gaining speed on a downhill section before going up another hill, waiting for traffic lights to change, and braking the engine before reaching a curve help save money at the pump.
4. Avoid idling
Starting the car to warm up the engine during the colder months is now an anachronism. With modern fuel injection, all it does is waste fuel. Realistically, every time a car is stopped and running, it robs drivers of much-needed cash and pennies. It may not be strictly car maintenance, but more driving maintenance.
Many modern vehicles have stop-start features that turn off the engine at stop signs and traffic lights. But for those without access to the feature, drivers can strategize. Shutting down the engine at a red light may be overkill, but a reasonable threshold to save fuel is 10 seconds. After this period with the engine running in a stationary car, less fuel would have been used to restart the engine.
Which fuel is better to save fuel and the environment?
Chemically speaking, diesel and gasoline have different molecular structures, diesel being heavier and denser than gasoline. The contrast affects their combustion properties, affecting how they are used as fuels. Diesel engines operate at higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, which leads to greater efficiency and power. It is also more energy dense than gasoline, meaning it contains more energy per unit volume.
On the other hand, gasoline engines tend to run at lower compression ratios, resulting in lower efficiency but smoother operation. Gasoline is also less energy dense than diesel, which means it takes a larger volume of fuel to produce the same amount of energy.
In terms of environmental impact, diesel is generally considered a more important polluter than gasoline, taking into account nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in exhaust gases. However, modern diesel engines have emission control systems that can significantly reduce these emissions. However, both types of fuel have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on factors such as cost, availability and environmental impact.
