Saving Gas – A Guide For You and Your Vehicle

With today’s increasing pressures on fuel prices it is important to understand some simple ways to save gas and increase gas mileage to better manage your total expenses.

Some simple ways to do this are,

Improving Air Flow
A great way to begin is to first look at your vehicle’s air filter and is one of the easiest performance upgrades around and the quickest way to increase gas mileage. A disposable paper filter is incredibly restrictive to airflow and a restriction will essentially clog the engine in comparison to a performance air filter which uses either cotton or foam filtration material allowing air to flow much easier which allows plenty of oxygen into your engine for burning fuel. With the extra air available to your engine it will respond by using less fuel per air part.

The increased levels of airflow puts extra horsepower at the pedal increasing your driving pleasure and the cleaner air volumes also contribute positively towards the overall condition of the vehicle. One must note that overusing the power boost provided by a performance air filter will negate any mileage improvements.

Improving Aerodynamics
Your tailgate can sometimes hold back the performance of your vehicle as the passing air rushes over the truck’s cab and flows directly into the open bed. With nowhere else to go, the turbulent air crashes into your tailgate and minimises its overall efficiency.

Adding a tonne-au cover to your otherwise exposed truck bed provides a tight surface for airflow to blow right past and without a drag-prone tailgate to slow your truck down, you can see an average gas mileage improvement of 5% to 10% immediately.

Tyre Pressure Effects
Tyre pressure can also affect a vehicle’s mileage and if your tyres are under-inflated, your vehicle has to work that much harder to spin them. The increased friction caused by under inflated tyres could be sucking your gas mileage by 2mpg or more. The premature tread wear that will also cost you a significant amount to repair.

A digital tyre gauge is the most accurate way to measure your tyres pressure and the recommended pressure for is usually given on a label inside your door well. If they’re low, fill them up at most any corner service station and check the pressure again with the digital tire gauge. It is also important to note that over inflating your tyres is also unhealthy for your tyres and can have expensive consequences.

Sharpen Your Shop Skills
The overall health of your car contributes greatly to the gas mileage you’ll see throughout its life. Follow the regular maintenance schedule for oil changes, tune-ups and inspections. Don’t keep driving your vehicle if something is blatantly not working because getting the problem fixed immediately will least likely drain your gas tank.