How to Stop Being a Gas-Guzzler

Did you know that the type of muffler on your vehicle affects its fuel efficiency? Whether it is standard muffler or universal muffler, its purpose does go beyond minimizing the noise made by an internal combustion engine. The surprising fact is that it can also increase your gas mileage.

Apart from installing the right muffler on your vehicle, there are other tricks that can help you squeeze more mileage from your tank of gas. Read on and let’s learn some of the useful tips on how to save fuel and make the most out of your driving adventure.

Check and Replace Dirty Air Filters

Clogged air filters can decrease your gas mileage up to 10%. Make it a habit to check and replace it regularly to avoid clogged air filters that restrict the flow of the air into your engine, thus slowing down your vehicle’s performance.

Check the Pressure of the Tires

Another thing to keep an eye on is the tires’ pressure. Before heading out, check that your tires are not under-inflated. An under-inflated tire adds rolling resistance and forces the vehicle to use up more fuel. Checking the tire pressure once a month would be ideal to make sure that it is in its recommended level.

Don’t Drive Too Fast

Even when you’re driving on the highway, try not to drive faster than 60 mph because it could rapidly decrease your gas mileage. This is because flooring the acceleration pedal will flood the cylinders with fuel and burn up more than needed. Avoiding jackrabbit starts and aggressive driving increases your gas mileage up to five percent.

Lighten Your Load

A car uses up more energy the more weight it is carrying. Think of it this way: you as a human being would need to exert more effort walking when carrying heavy items. Strong as they are, the same is true for machines. Don’t load up your car with more things than are necessary.

Use the Air Conditioner Properly

Many automotive experts say that you should use your air conditioner based on your speed. The temperature of the air conditioner affects how your vehicle uses fuel. This is why it’s best to avoid using the a/c or at least turn it down when driving at a slower pace.

Car Maintenance

Proper engine and car maintenance will not only maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle but also increase the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Car problems such as a broken thermostat, low tire levels, low fluid levels, and sticky brake calipers can directly reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage. For example, when you have soft tires, it can produce great friction between the rubber and the road, thus, making the engine work hard so that it forces you to move forward. It is essential to have a consistent car maintenance schedule to maintain the best performance of your vehicle.

The price of gas fluctuates, and you never know when it’s going to go up again. It is essential that you follow the useful tips mentioned above to keep your car in its optimal performance to save fuel and money. As for your muffler, always be on the lookout for signs of a faulty muffler to keep its performance at optimum level.