Unless you have a brand new vehicle, chances are your car’s gas mileage isn’t the greatest. Fuel prices can take a toll on your bank account and poor fuel efficiency can make your carbon footprint that much deeper.
So how can you improve your car’s gas mileage to make your driving a little greener without selling your vehicle for a new one? Here are a few tips you can use to boost your fuel efficiency without booting your car to the curb.
Keep the excess weight off your car
The weight of what’s in your car’s trunk or truck bed could be what’s causing your fuel efficiency to drop. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fulfilled the company’s goal for increased fuel efficiency just by weighing 450 pounds less than previous models.
While it’s true your vehicle itself can weigh a ton what with 13% of the world’s steel being used in the automotive industry, you can shed a lot of that extra weight just by emptying out the junk in your car. The heavier your car, the harder your car has to work to get you anywhere on the road.
Use the recommended motor oil
According to a recent study, up to 70% of unplanned equipment shutdowns in the last three years among manufacturing companies were caused by incorrect lubricant selection. Just like manufacturing equipment, you can’t just use any old type of lubricant or motor oil for your car. Your car’s engine is designed to work best with a specific type of motor oil.
You could end up creating too much friction in your car’s engine if you use a thicker oil than what’s recommended. This can cause your engine to work harder, burn more fuel, and guzzle away your gas money. That being said, be sure to check your owner’s manual and use what’s recommended for your vehicle.
Inspect your gas cap seal
Sometimes the reason why your car’s gas mileage isn’t doing so great is actually that the rubber seal on your gas cap has started to break down. When the gas cap seal wears down over time, it allows oxygen to leak into the gas tank. This causes air to enter the engine and pull gas from the tank, which makes the engine burn more gas.
Fortunately, with the global automotive aftermarket industry expected to reach $722.8 billion by 2020, you can find gas cap seals pretty easily and replace them. However, it’s worth noting that some cars have sensors that are built in to detect the gas cap’s seal and those sensors might not recognize a gas cap seal that isn’t from your car dealership. Consult with your owner’s manual to be sure.
When your car isn’t fuel-efficient, it can make it difficult to keep up with gas costs. It can be even more difficult to reduce your carbon footprint.
But you don’t necessarily need to invest in a new vehicle to make your car greener. By following the tips above, you can reduce your carbon footprint and boost your car’s fuel efficiency without having to invest in a newer vehicle.