As your local Ford dealer, we often get asked how to improve fuel efficiency. So, we’ve decided to compile a list of simple yet effective tips to help you get the most out of your vehicle.
From Your Ford Dealer: 5 Fuel Efficiency Secrets
1. Drive Sensibly
You can improve your fuel consumption by adopting smooth acceleration and gentle braking, a method called eco-driving. It works by preventing your engine from overworking and allows your car to maintain momentum, reducing the amount of fuel needed to power it. This technique works extremely well in stop-and-go traffic. Also, keeping a steady speed or using cruise control, especially on highways, can help you get the most out of every gallon.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure
Every 1 PSI drop in the average pressure across your tires can splash your gas mileage by around 0.2%. How does this happen? Low tire pressure increases friction with the road, forcing your vehicle to work harder and consume more fuel. So, to keep your fuel economy from tanking, ensure those tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. It’s an easy fix that keeps you on the road longer while saving you some cash.
3. Service and Maintain Your Car
Petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines have many moving parts that work together. With time, these components can become dirty or worn out because of friction, resulting in the engine working harder and consuming more fuel. Using energy-conserving motor oil and replacing faulty parts with OEM components ensure that your engine runs like new, enhancing its fuel consumption.
4. Use Air Condition Selectively
Air conditioning can be a major fuel drain. The more cooling you require, the more fuel your engine will burn to provide the required comfort. To conserve fuel when driving at low speeds, roll down your windows rather than using AC. At highway speeds, keep the windows up and use AC on low settings to reduce aerodynamic drag and conserve fuel.
5. Minimize Idle Time
When your vehicle is not in motion but in idle mode, fuel is always consumed, up to a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. You should, therefore, consider turning off your engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two. If your car is equipped with ‘Stop and Start’ technology, keeping it on is the most effective strategy because it automatically shuts the engine when not in motion.
Choosing the right car is the first step toward maximizing fuel efficiency, and we are here to help you do that. Contact Clay Maxey Ford of Harrison in Harrison, AZ, to explore our lineup of vehicles.
