There are a lot of things you can do to improve your fuel economy. One of the first things you should do is make sure that your tires are properly inflated. On the inside of your driver's door is a sticker that gives the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Be careful - there might be a different pressure for the front and rear tires, and be sure to check them at least once a month.
Carrying extra weight in the vehicle hurts fuel economy. Leave unnecessary stuff home. Do we even need to mention driving fast and jackrabbit starts? Hard acceleration just suckes the gas, so gently accelerate and plan your stops so that you can ease into them. Also, remember that cruise control is your friend because steady speeds use less gas.
Be sure to check that your gas cap is screwed on tightly. If it is loose, gas vapor will be constantly leaking out and causing a reduced fuel economy. In order to make sure your gas cap is on tightly, twist the cap until it clicks three times - that means it is on tight. A worn gas cap can have the same effect as a loose one. If you are constantly smelling gas when you are walking by your tank, you may need a new one.
There are several maintenance items that improve fuel economy. Lubricants should be replaced on schedule - dirty oil, transmission fluid and differential fluid cause more friction and drag which hurt fuel economy. A big one is having a fuel system cleaning done if needed. A dirty fuel system can really reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
If your check engine light is on, be sure to bring your vehicle in for a diagnosis. Some conditions that trigger the light can really hurt your fuel economy. Getting the necessary work done to correct the fault will help your engine run better and may bump up your mileage per gallon.
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