Maintenance is critical in keeping your car running its best, and reducing poor fuel economy.
So, how do you combat poor fuel economy. The only way is to follow the recommendations, pointed out, in this and most blogs out there. They all say the same thing, because that is what works.
If a car is fuel efficient, you’ll be able to save a substantial amount of money. Because, better fuel mileage, means that the car is using less fuel. In turn, this means that you don’t have to refuel your car as often.
As a result, getting away from poor fuel economy lets you to save on fuel costs. Over time, these savings can add up, and reduce the overall operating cost of the car.
So, knowing the common causes, of poor fuel economy, is just the tip of the iceberg. And, speaking of being cold, winter is the worst time of year to try and combat, cold weather fuel consumption.
How Cold Weather Driving In Winter, Makes It Even Worse:
Excessive Idling Time
This should be a no brainer, yet parked idling cars are a common sight, in cold weather. Resist the urge to idle your car to warm it up. An idling engine gets 0 mpg. Start/Stop technology now confirms this, and that’s why car makers use it. Also, consider that an idling engine, does nothing to warm up the tires and drive train.
Even in the coldest weather, you can begin driving after 30 seconds, from a cold start. However, keep speeds low to moderate and use gentle acceleration, until the temperature gauge starts to climb.
Low Tire Pressure, And Increased Rolling Resistance
All car driving sites and magazines tell you the same thing, and that’s for a reason. If your tire pressures are low, you will be increasing the rolling resistance, of the tire on the road. As a result, that will be robbing your fuel efficiency, causing poor fuel economy.
So, a 10 degree (F) change in ambient temperature, equates to a 1 psi change in tire pressure. Therefore, fuel economy declines 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in tire pressure. Also, rolling resistance at 0 degrees F is 20% greater, than at 80 degrees. Now, you can see the impact tires have on fuel efficiency.
Crappy Road Conditions
Driving through slush and snow, requires more power. To get more power, you burn more fuel. And, then there’s your wheels spinning, because of less traction on ice and snow. So, here you can see that winter, causes you to use way more fuel.
Lower Average Engine Temperature
In the winter, an engine takes longer to reach operating temperature. And, cools off faster when shut off. Since the engine needs a richer mixture when cold , poor fuel economy is the result.
Higher Average Oil Viscosity
Engine oil gets thicker as it cools. So does transmission and differential fluids, and even bearing grease. Significantly more energy is needed to overcome the added drag, these cold oils cause.
Using synthetic fluids can address this problem. Because, their viscosity changes less at extreme temperatures, than traditional mineral fluids.
Weaker Winter Fuel
Fuel doesn’t vaporize easily, at very cold temperatures. So oil companies formulate fuel differently for cold weather markets in the winter. Unfortunately, the changes that provide better cold vaporization characteristics, also result in less available energy for combustion. You won’t get as far on a liter of winter fuel, as you will on a liter of summer fuel.
Higher Electrical Loads
In colder temps, you use electrical accessories more often:
- Lights, it’s darker longer in winter
- Rear window defroster
- Heater blower motor
- Windshield washer pump
More Aerodynamic Drag
A car’s aerodynamic drag is proportional to air density, and the density increases as temperature drops. So, for every 10 degree F drop in temperature, aerodynamic drag increases by 2%.
Tips And Tricks
Fuel expands in heat, so make sure to get your money’s worth. Consider trying to purchase fuel, during the coolest part of the day. For those in warm climates, this might mean a visit to the pump, early in the morning. Because, that’s when the underground tanks have had a chance to cool overnight.
Also, try to combine short trips, as the engine runs more efficiently when warm. If you’ll be idling one minute or longer, turn off the engine. Consequently, this saves money at railroad crossings, when talking out the window, or when picking up passengers.
Common Causes Of Poor Fuel Economy, Include:
These may or may not, turn on a check engine light (CEL).
- Sluggish Oxygen Sensors (O2)
- Inaccurate or Defective Engine Coolant Sensor (ECT)
- Defective Engine Thermostat
- Engine Misfire
- Intake Manifold or (EGR) Valve Leak
- Worn or Fouled Spark Plugs, A common Cause Of, Poor Fuel Economy
- Dirty Fuel Injectors
- Low Compression
- Wrong Oil Viscosity
- Dirty Air Filter
- Clogged Converter or Exhaust Restriction
- Slipping Clutch or Transmission
- Low Tires
- Dragging Brakes
- Too Much Junk in Your Trunk
- Poor Driving Habits, Encourages Poor Fuel Economy
So, To Combat Poor Fuel Economy, You Should Also, Do The Following:
- Regularly changing of your engine oil, so as to reduce friction. This will help you in getting, better fuel economy.
- Because, your air conditioner is the worst consumer of fuel, turn it off while driving. Try using your windows to cool down.
- Always plan before driving. Know the specific routes that will, save on fuel consumption. Use a smooth sailing route.
- You should avoid idling your engine, since you waste your fuel, adding to poor fuel economy.
- Change your style of driving. Don’t accelerate your car, when it is not needed. Because, this will increase fuel consumption.
- If it is possible, ensure that you lighten the load in your car. This will also improve fuel mileage, reducing fuel consumption.
- Inflate your car tires properly. Inflating them will help, in increasing your fuel economy.
- Finally, embrace regular maintenance, to combat poor fuel economy.
This will help you to detect factors, affecting your fuel mileage. Also, finding solutions to those factors, which may include, malfunctioning oxygen sensors (O2), injectors and air filters. Check your tire pressures regularly and make it part of your Sunday routine or something.
Conclusion
These common sense tips will go a long way, in helping combat, excessive fuel consumption. Then, watch your mpg get a little boost.
BY DANNY BENDER
