A car that has regular service maintenance performed is always a greener car because it runs more efficiently. Here are other steps to improve your fuel economy:
- Keep your tires inflated to the recommended psi. You can find that number in your car manual, on a label in your glove box or on the inside of your car door. Watch for our November newsletter where we will cover information about tires; caring for your tires, maintaining tire pressure, selecting the right tire and how to decide if you need snow tires.
- Drive smoothly. Sudden starts and stops are terrible for fuel efficiency and also bad for your engine, tires, brakes and transmission.
- Slow down. A Consumer Report test on a Camry showed that fuel efficiency dropped 5mpg by increasing highway speed from 65 to 75mph.
- Do not carry extra weight, it increases drag on your car.
- Do not let your car idle. The fastest way to warm up an engine is to drive. If you know you will be sitting over 30 seconds turn off your car. You will save gas.
- Minimize driving on a cold engine by planning your car trips efficiently.