FAQs About a Car's Fuel Economy
Posted on: 21 July 2017
Fuel economy refers to the fuel efficiency of your car. It might not seem like a big deal, but having poor fuel economy could prove costly to you. If you are concerned that yours is not what it should be, here is what you need to know.
Why Should You Care About Fuel Economy?
There are several reasons that fuel economy matters, but the financial side is likely most important to you. Your car's fuel economy impacts how much fuel you need to operate your car. The lower the level, the smaller the savings.
Fuel economy also has an impact on the environment. As your fuel burns, carbon dioxide is released into the air. The carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. In addition to this, oil is a nonrenewable source. The more needed by cars, the less there is available for use.
What Causes a Decrease in Fuel Economy?
Sometimes, the fuel economy for a car can decrease over time. There are several factors that can influence your gas mileage. One of the most common causes of decreased fuel economy are the tires. When your tires are underinflated, the rolling resistance is increased. In other words, your car must travel a bit further to reach your destination. The result is an increase in a need for more fuel.
Your air conditioner might also be a culprit. When the air conditioner is running, more fuel is needed to power the engine. If your air conditioner is not in optimal condition, the amount of fuel needed could be even more.
Dirty air filters could even be to blame. The filter is responsible for keeping dust and other debris out of your fuel system. When it is dirty, the air flow to the engine can be restricted, which results a greater usage of fuel.
What Can You Do?
One of the first steps you can take is to ensure your tires are inflated properly. Use a tire gauge to accurately assess the tire pressure. If it is too low, inflate the tires to the proper pressure. You should also buy new tires if the tread is worn.
In addition to this, you can cut down your usage of the air conditioner. The less time it is on, the better your economy will be.
When you have your oil changed, also have the air filter changed. Between changes, you can check the filter. It might be possible a new filter might be needed between oil changes.
Talk to your auto repair technician about other steps you can take to improve your fuel economy.
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