When there's a big jump in fuel costs, motorist complains, argue and essentially get mad. But others try to maximize their fuel savings any way they can. Some resort to using aftermarket products that claim to help. The fact is, however, for every one that actually works, there are lots more that don't. Over the years, there are some proven products and methods to getting better fuel economy from your current vehicle. Here's the top ten that are guaranteed to get you results.
1) Make Sure Your Engine Is Properly In Tune: Modern engines don't always need tuning, but making sure that the spark plugs (if it has any) are fresh and that the air filter, oil and oil filter are clean and changed according to the owner's manual. This ensures that the engine doesn't work harder than it should, which can use up more fuel. If the engine isn't running right or idles poorly, have a technican check it to make sure the fuel injectors are clean and that engine sensors are working properly.
2) Tire pressures should be at the recommended factory settings: You've heard this one before, but have you done it? You can get a tire gauge just about anywhere. Proper tire pressures ensure that the vehicle actually rolls easier on the pavement. Low pressure and higher pressure can lead to more effort on the part of the engine, as well as excessive tire wear and the possibility of a blow out. Find the recommended tire pressures on your vehicle's owner's manual and/or on a decal placed on the vehicle's door jamb.
3) Proper Wheel Alignment: If your wheels aren't properly aligned, it takes more effort for the engine to push the vehicle down the road. Proper vehicle alignment lets your car roll easier. If the car veers to one side or if the tires show uneven wear, have an alignment shop check it out.
4) Aftermarket Air Intake Systems: One product that has shown over time to work is an aftermarket air intake system. Many are emissions legal, meaning it won't affect your vehicle's emissions. The idea is to open up the airway to the engine by removing restrictions that are typically a part of the factory air inlet tubes. Many use baffles and pockets to eliminate noise when you accelerate, but it also inhibits your engine's ability to breathe. Aftermarket units may be a little nosier, but they allow a maximum amount of air to enter into your engine, and can improve fuel economy. Just be careful as they also produce more power and people have a tendency to want to use or flaunt it. If you follow the other steps below, you’ll see a significant improvement. Aftermarket air intake systems run from $200 to $500.
5) Aftermarket Exhaust Systems: This one can be more expensive but could pay for itself in the long run. The principle is the same as the air intake; less restriction in the exhaust allows your engine to become more efficient and use less fuel while making more power. The downside is that aftermarket exhaust systems cost anywhere from $800 to $1200, depending on the materials they are made out of, (aluminized steel or polished stainless steel). Nevertheless, an aftermarket exhaust system bolts on to the rear of the factory catalytic converter and has shown to improve fuel economy, especially on trucks and sport utility vehicles.
6) Aftermarket Power Programmers/Tuners: A programmer or tuner is a device that recalibrates your engine's fuel and timing settings to optimize power and fuel consumption. Look for programmers that offer 50-state emissions legality, meaning they won’t void your warranty or cause a red-flag to come up when you get your vehicle tested for emissions. Programmers will make some of the most improvements in fuel economy because they fine tune the engine's fuel delivery, ignition timing, shift points (for automatic transmissions), and more. They work because the engine's computer settings are designed to work for a very wide range of driving characteristics and conditions. Programmers fine tune the fuel and ignition timing tables on the factory computer to optimize for better efficiency, which leads to more horsepower, torque and fuel economy. Some also allow your engine to run on lower octane fuel making your vehicle's cost-per-mile more affordable too.
7) Start Braking Sooner: While some of the products mentioned above can work, the most noticeable difference in fuel economy will come from changing your driving habits. One of the best is to start braking sooner, as you approach a stop sign or signal. Let the vehicle coast to the stop and you'll also apply less brake, which can also make your brake pads last longer too. Doing this on a regular basis will dramatically increase your fuel economy.
8) Slow Down: You've also heard this before, but not many people do it. Everybody's always in a hurry. If this is you, start training yourself to leave earlier and make better preparations so you're not speeding to get to where you're going. Slowing your driving down can increase your fuel economy by one or two miles per gallon, especially on the highway.
9) Avoid high-traffic areas: You waste lots of fuel sitting in traffic, especially on busy streets. Sometimes, traffic is better after you wait five minutes. Other times, you can find ways to avoid sitting in traffic. Studies have shown that avoiding traffic, even if the distance to your destination is slightly longer, you'll still save fuel than if you were standing still.
10) Avoid Quick Acceleration: Accelerating quickly to get in front of the car next to you is a sure way to waste lots of fuel. Sure you need to get in the other lane, but turning on the signal and waiting patiently will yield the same result, without expending more fuel. If you have a fast car, you know who you are; you don't always have to beat everyone when the light turns green. Accelerating slowly from a standing start will save an enormous amount of fuel that you will be able to see. Sure that jerk may have cut you off, but make sure to honk your horn next time you pass them filling up at the pump.
People who have used some of these products and techniques have seen fuel economy improvements as much as 3-4 miles per gallon. It may not sound like much, but over the course of the year, it can add up to lots of savings. Many truck drivers don't concern themselves with miles per gallon and think rather in terms of their cost-per-mile. Think this way too, and you'll find other ways to change your driving habits to get the most out of each fill-up.
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