How To Improve Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

With fuel prices on the rise, we could all use some tips to help us save at the pump.
Posted On August 22, 2021
By Integra Tire Canada

Gas prices across Canada have recently been on the rise. Oil prices have reached some of their highest prices in years, so drivers are paying more to fill up their vehicles at the pump. Anything you can do to increase your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency is sure to save your wallet; not to mention it also helps save our environment. In this guide, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to save on fuel.

Tire Inflation

Your tires are where your vehicle meets the pavement, so their ability to roll smoothly naturally has a large effect on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Maintaining the proper air pressure is a great starting point. An underinflated tire means that your tire will flatten widest at its contact patch. Studies have shown that for every 10 psi of under-inflation, your vehicle can lose 10% of its fuel efficiency.

Using The Right Tires

Using the proper tire application can also translate to more fuel efficiency. For example, winter tires are critical for icy conditions because of their softer rubber compound and stickiness. Using winter tires outside of these conditions won’t only cost you more in tires, but will also increase friction and rolling resistance on the pavement and thus increase your fuel bill.

It’s not just about choosing the right season, but the right application. If you’re typically a city driver heading to and from work, high performance or rugged tires may be sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Many tire manufacturers have produced fuel-efficient tires, such as the Michelin Energy Saver E/S or the Bridgestone Ecopia. If you’re interested in a tire built specifically for increased fuel efficiency, contact your local Integra Tire today and ask your service advisor for more info.

Be sure to also follow your vehicle’s suggested maintenance for tire rotations.

Regular Oil Changes

A well-maintained vehicle will be much more efficient, and less likely to lead to major maintenance problems. There are many examples of poorly maintained vehicle systems that could affect fuel efficiency, but one of the most common is getting regular oil changes. Having the wrong amount of engine oil, or dirty oil, will create more friction and rob your vehicle of needed power.

Maintenance

Many of your vehicle’s accessories are attached to your serpentine belt, driven by your engine. Your belt and accessories require horsepower to operate, a failing belt or accessory will detract from your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Follow suggested maintenance for replacing serpentine belts and servicing accessories like your air conditioning compressor, power steering, and alternator. This also includes getting regular vehicle inspections.

If your vehicle is in need of a wheel alignment, it will cause unnecessary stress and friction as your tires pull in opposing directions.

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Plan Your Travel

Planning your trips is a great way to save fuel. A warm engine is more fuel efficient than a cold one. Try to combine shorter trips and tasks such as dropping your kids off to practice, going grocery shopping, and running other errands, and you are likely to save on gas. Not to mention the most obvious benefit, less driving uses less fuel.

Aside from just planning your trip, try to ensure that you do not need to excessively idle your vehicle in cold conditions. Idling can use a lot of fuel, in many cases more than shutting your vehicle off and turning it back on.

Some Other Tips

There are many more tips that deserve an honorable mention, including:

  • Consistent speed– excessive acceleration and stopping, such as when you are stuck in traffic or driving aggressively, will waste gas. Use cruise control when on the highway when it is safe to do so.
  • Travel light- extra weight causes your vehicle to work harder and uses more gas.
  • Ride share– whenever possible, share a ride or carpool with colleagues or friends.
  • Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle– many vehicles available today are built with fuel efficiency in mind, including electrics and hybrids. Some jurisdictions even offer a tax credit for purchasing electric vehicles.

If you’re interested in finding out about how your vehicle can be more fuel efficient, speak to your Integra Tire technician today by calling or booking an appointment.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest Integra Tire dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.
Resource Tags: fuel , fuel efficiency , maintenance , tires
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