As cars age, maintaining their fuel efficiency can become a challenge. Engine issues, outdated components, and declining performance often contribute to higher fuel intake. But, with the right maintenance and driving habits, car owners can boost mileage and keep their older vehicles running efficiently. Smart and safe driving practices play a significant role in boosting any car’s performance. Car owners can use some practical tips to get the most mileage out of their aging vehicles.
1. Reduce the load
Losing the extra belongings stowed away at the back of the car is important for fuel efficiency. People who have been lazy about decluttering their cars need to get started with the task. Be it donation bags that need delivering, gym bags that need refreshing, or any other belongings, emptying the unnecessary items from the car will lower the load carried by the engine. Excessive junk in the car increases its rolling resistance as the engine needs to work more to make the tires deliver the same results. Because of this, the engine also needs more fuel to move. Thus, removing unwanted items from the car’s back can improve fuel efficiency, irrespective of the vehicle’s age.
2. Work the A/C
This might sound counterintuitive, but certain experts believe letting the warm breeze outside control the cabin temperature is outdated advice. Instead, they advise using an air conditioning system to keep the car’s temperature in check and improve its fuel economy. While driving at highway speeds, windows rolled down increases the aerodynamic drag, putting strain on the engine to work harder to maintain the same speeds. It is important to note that while the engines of older car models did slow down with a running air conditioner’s load, today’s engines are far more sophisticated and unaffected by it.
3. Visit the mechanic regularly
The easiest way to keep up a car’s fuel efficiency is to stay on track with regular maintenance. If the check engine indicator on the panel lights up, take the vehicle to the mechanic without delay. Get it properly checked and the necessary repairs done without any delay. With regular maintenance, the car is primed for peak performance. It ensures that the vehicle can deliver optimum mileage. This also means replacing the air filters. If not more, make sure to change the filters as many times as mentioned in the car’s manual instructions. Some old cars also have an oxygen sensor. Make sure to get it checked and replaced periodically. Failure to do so would result in lower fuel efficiency, higher emissions, and damage to the catalytic converter.
4. Avoid idling
When a car engine is idling, it still burns the fuel without moving the automobile, contributing to gas wastage. Besides lowering mileage, it also generates unwanted emissions, thereby negatively affecting the environment. If the car is going to be cruising in neutral for more than a minute, it is best to turn off the engine. Instead of just putting the car in park mode, try turning off the engine the next time. This small change can help significantly reduce gas consumption when the car is idling.
5. Accelerate with care
Jackrabbit stops and starts can only result in poor fuel economy for any car. So, car owners must check their driving habits and style to improve their aging car’s fuel efficiency. To improve the car’s mileage, it is important to steer away from lead-footed driving practices. Let inertia do its job, ease off the accelerator, and let the car come to a stop by itself. Hard braking can damage the engine and the tire treads while also risking the safety of the passengers and the others on the road. This also affects the vehicle’s fuel economy as the car exhausts a significant amount of fuel during the quick acceleration phase. According to experts, unnecessary accelerations and sudden halts can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 mpg. So, when driving on the highway, slow down the vehicle by 5-10 mph as it helps improve the fuel economy and optimize the car’s performance.
6. Check tire pressure
When trying to improve an old car’s fuel efficiency, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the optimal tire pressure for the vehicle. Typically, lower tire pressures will cause the car to use up more energy. Check the recommended tire pressure specified in the owner’s manual and avoid over- or under-inflating the tire. Under-inflating the tires can wear the treads, and over-inflating will result in lower rolling resistance. Both these can significantly affect a car’s mileage.
7. Use the right type of fuel
A handy tip to improve the car’s fuel efficiency is to be selective about the fuel. Check out the right octane fuel ratings for a car’s make and model. Most manufacturer guidelines come with this information, making it easier for the car owner. Octane rating denotes the fuel’s stability. These ratings are based on the pressure reading at which a particular fuel combusts without an external ignition source. Fuels with higher octane numbers are more stable. On the other hand, low-quality fuel may contain impurities that may affect the combustion process, causing strain on the engine and, in turn, affecting fuel efficiency.
