How Can You Optimize Fuel Efficiency in Your Vehicle?

By Karen Johnston April 30, 2020

Quick facts

A clogged air filter can meaningfully reduce engine fuel efficiency.
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower fuel economy.
Excessive idling yields zero miles per gallon regardless of the vehicle's efficiency rating.
Gradual acceleration uses less fuel than hard starts from a stop.

Keeping Your Vehicle Fuel-Efficient

The cost of fuel seems to be on the rise this fall, so it may have you wondering what is the best way to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient. There are a few ways that you can keep your vehicle as fuel-efficient as possible.

Regular Vehicle Inspection for Fuel-Efficiency

Having your vehicle regularly inspected and in proper running condition is the first key to fuel efficiency. Simple things like a clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, a dirty throttle body, clogged fuel filter, or dirty oil, not keeping tires properly inflated, can reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Addressing driver alerts like the Check Engine or Service Engine soon light may also help to increase fuel efficiency. Also, have your gas cap checked regularly to make sure that the seal is not allowing fuel to escape and vaporize.

During these inspections, we would also advise having tire pressure checked and adjusted as needed and proper alignment of your vehicle checked. It is important to be aware of anything that would cause your vehicle to work harder or cause undue drag. Under or over-inflated tires can definitely hinder the gas mileage that you get on the road.

Keep Your Vehicle Light

Unclutter your vehicle, if you are driving around with your vehicle loaded down it can cause more work for your vehicle. Lastly, look at your driving habits, are you racing to the stops or taking off fast from a stop? Gradually letting your vehicle reach the desired speed conserves more fuel and is easier on the wear and tear of the vehicle. Avoid excessive idling, while your car is running and not moving you are getting 0 miles to the gallon, no matter how fuel-efficient your vehicle is.

If you are wise with how you maintain and drive your vehicle, it can save you money at the fuel pump and on the repairs of your vehicle. Keeping a vehicle well maintained increases the safety, reliability, and longevity of that vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

How much fuel economy can a tune-up realistically restore?

The improvement depends on what was neglected and for how long. Replacing severely fouled spark plugs can improve fuel economy by 4% or more according to the US Department of Energy. A clogged fuel filter forces the pump to work harder and can reduce efficiency noticeably. Correcting a malfunctioning oxygen sensor that is skewing the fuel mixture can produce the largest gains, sometimes 10% to 40%, because the engine computer is actively misproportioning fuel delivery.

Does wheel alignment affect fuel economy?

Yes. When wheels are out of alignment, tires scrub sideways slightly with every rotation instead of rolling cleanly forward. That constant resistance translates directly into additional fuel consumption. Vehicles with significant toe misalignment can see a measurable drop in highway fuel economy. Alignment also affects tire wear, so correcting it protects both fuel costs and tire investment.

What role does engine oil viscosity play in fuel efficiency?

Thicker oil creates more internal drag in the engine, which requires more energy to overcome. Using the manufacturer-specified viscosity, often a modern 0W-20 or 5W-30, is designed to minimize that friction. Using a heavier viscosity than specified, or running oil that has thickened from age and contamination, increases internal resistance and can reduce fuel economy. This is one reason timely oil changes contribute to fuel efficiency beyond just engine protection.

Schedule service

All About Automotive — 1850 NW Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR · (503) 465-2926

Book an appointment Browse services More articles