Maximize Your Mileage: A Commuter’s Guide to Fuel Efficiency

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Autohaus

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. This means your daily commute can have a bigger impact on the environment than you think. But it’s not just the environment that suffers. Fuel prices are projected to rise in 2023 and beyond. Improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency can save you money at the pump and reduce your carbon footprint.

In this blog post, we explore practical tips for improving your car’s fuel efficiency, the environmental impact of better gas mileage, and the latest advancements in fuel-efficient technology.

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Understanding Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is generally measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The higher the mpg, the less fuel your car consumes for each mile driven. While it might be tempting to assume that larger vehicles will naturally have lower fuel efficiency, upfront measurements might surprise you. In fact, some SUVs can be just as fuel-efficient as compact cars.

Many factors affect your car’s fuel efficiency, including:

Driving habits
Vehicle maintenance
Environmental conditions
The type of fuel used
The weight of the vehicle
The aerodynamics of the vehicle

While some of these factors can be controlled – like your driving habits and vehicle maintenance – others are dictated by the type of vehicle you drive and the conditions on the road. However, there are plenty of ways to improve your car’s fuel efficiency regardless.

Practical Tips for Improving Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

Check Your Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by about 0.6% for every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all tires. That’s because under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

To avoid this extra load, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly (at least once a month) and before long trips. For most vehicles, the ideal tire pressure can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

Reduce Excess Weight

Another easy way to improve fuel efficiency is to reduce the weight your vehicle has to carry. When shopping for a new car, remember that lighter vehicles tend to have better fuel efficiency. For those who already own an SUV or truck, consider how many items can be removed from your vehicle.

For instance, while roof racks are convenient for transporting bicycles and kayaks, they add wind resistance when not in use. Also, removing any unnecessary items from the trunk can help lighten your load. In fact, every 100 pounds removed from your vehicle can improve gas mileage by about one percent.

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can have a big impact on fuel efficiency. For example, a clogged air filter can restrict airflow to your engine, causing it to work harder and use more fuel. Similarly, old spark plugs can cause incomplete combustion, leading to wasted fuel. Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Regularly check and replace air filters, spark plugs, and other essential components to keep your engine running efficiently.

The Environmental Impact of Improved Fuel Efficiency

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of the primary environmental benefits of improved fuel efficiency is reduced greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By using less fuel, more fuel-efficient vehicles emit fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This is especially important as climate change continues to pose a significant threat to the planet.

Improved Air Quality

In addition to reducing greenhouse gases, improved fuel efficiency also leads to better air quality. Vehicles that consume less fuel produce fewer tailpipe emissions, which can include harmful substances like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to smog, respiratory problems, and other health issues. By opting for fuel-efficient vehicles and adopting Eco-friendly driving habits, you can reduce your impact on air quality and protect public health.

Conservation of Natural Resources

When you drive a fuel-efficient vehicle or improve your driving habits, you lower your overall fuel consumption. This not only benefits your wallet but also helps conserve natural resources. Fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, are finite resources that contribute to environmental degradation when extracted and burned. By reducing your reliance on these fuels through improved fuel efficiency, you play a role in preserving our planet’s natural resources for future generations.

Technological Advancements in Fuel Efficiency for Modern Commuters

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) represent some of the most significant advancements in fuel efficiency technology. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, allowing them to achieve impressive fuel economy while producing fewer emissions. On the other hand, EVs run entirely on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs are typically more efficient than conventional vehicles, converting over 77% of electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Many modern vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that can help improve fuel efficiency. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide real-time feedback to the driver. For example, adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed while adjusting for traffic conditions, reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. Additionally, some ADAS features provide recommendations for more efficient driving, such as when to coast rather than accelerate.

Enhanced Engine Technologies

Engine technology continues to evolve, with manufacturers developing more efficient designs that consume less fuel while generating the same power. Technologies such as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Turbocharging allows smaller engines to produce more power when needed, improving efficiency during normal driving conditions. Direct fuel injection delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, resulting in more precise fuel-air mixtures and better combustion efficiency.

Conclusion

Maximizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is a win-win solution. Not only does it save you money at the pump, but it also helps protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. By following the tips outlined above, you can make a positive impact every time you hit the road. To learn more about how you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency, be sure to contact your local automotive repair shop for routine maintenance.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently by scheduling routine maintenance today! Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for European automotive service and repair in Carmel, Indiana. Our German mechanics are factory-trained with more than 25 years of experience in the automotive service industry.

How to Calculate Your Car’s Gas Mileage

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Autohaus

Gas prices will always be at the forefront of our budgets. Fuel costs seem to increase with every turn of the market, regardless of direction. For the sake of your financial goals and money-saving priorities, try calculating your vehicle’s gas mileage to see if you are getting the most out of every gallon. Continue below to learn how you determine your car’s MPG, plus what you can do to improve fuel efficiency from there.

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Gas Mileage 101

The number of miles your car can drive on one gallon of gas is referred to as gas mileage, or miles per gallon (MPG). This is also known as fuel economy. The more miles per gallon your car gets, the more fuel efficient it is.

To achieve the highest level of fuel economy possible for your vehicle, the key is regular maintenance and quality automotive parts and products. The better you care for your car, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.

To understand your vehicle’s routing car maintenance needs, refer to the owners’ manual. If you do not have the owners’ manual, you can download one online for your make and model vehicle, or you can ask a trusted Carmel IN mechanic for a recommended auto maintenance schedule.

Calculating Your Vehicle’s MPG

There are 7 simple steps to calculating your vehicle’s miles per gallon. It will take some time, as well as some basic, elementary-level math. Here’s how to determine a car’s MPG:

➊ Fill Your Tank All the Way – Be sure your gas tank is topped off all the way.

➋ Record the Odometer Reading – Write down the number of miles that reads on your odometer. You may also set your odometer’s trip meter is applicable.

➌ Use Up All Your Gas – Drive your vehicle as you normally would until the gas tank is on E again. This should take a week or so depending on how much and how far you drive on a daily basis.

➍ Record the Odometer Reading AGAIN – Write down the number of miles that shows on your odometer.

➎ Record the Number of Gallons Refueled – Write down how many gallons of gas it took to refuel your tank all the way full.

➏ Do the Math – Subtract the first odometer reading from the second reading. This will tell you how many miles your car drove on one tank of gas.

➐ Do Some More Math – To get your MPG, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to refill your gas tank.

Does Your Car Have Good Fuel Economy?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides us with a fuel economy rating system that evaluates vehicles on a scale from 1 to 10, with lower numbers being worse and higher numbers being better. If your vehicle has an MPG less than 14, you are assigned a rating of 1, while a MPG of 44 or more rates a full 10.

Are you looking for trusted automotive service for your classic or luxury European vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for factory scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indianapolis. We are German-trained mechanics specializing in European make and model vehicles.

How Does Tire Width Affect Gas Mileage in Cars?

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Autohaus

Today, everyone is looking for the answer to better gas mileage. Vehicle owners and drivers are on a constant hunt for secrets, miracle cures, rises in the economy, and blatant luck to reduce gas mileage, prices, and fuel consumption. There are several reasons why vehicles can get good or bad gas mileage. There are so many factors that affect this area of concern; however, there is one variable that is hardly discussed but highly influential when it comes to fuel mileage. This variable is tire width. Tires have a large influence on how a car or truck operates on the road.

Continue reading to learn how tire size can affect fuel economy and gas mileage on the road.

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The 101 on Gas Mileage and Tire Care

There are two things to consider when thinking about tires and their effect on gas mileage; one is wind resistance, and the other is rolling resistance. When a car is driving at higher speeds, it experiences higher wind resistance; this means lower fuel economy. Rolling resistance is the impact the road has on the tires, and how it affects drivability. If you change the features (size and width) of your tires, it will then influence the interaction it has with the road, thus affecting the gas mileage. This is where tire width can begin to influence gas mileage.

Tire Size and Width Influences Gas Mileage

Many people believe by changing the height of a car’s tires, they can increase its fuel economy. This is not a reliable idea. You see, speedometers are specifically calibrated to the number of revolutions a set of tires makes per mile while driving. If the original set of tires is replaced, the calibration will be off and changes in fuel economy will be blurred. Shorter tires will calculate at higher gas mileage because they will make so many more revolutions per mile. This negatively affects fuel consumption because it makes the car’s engine work at a higher rpm to achieve the same speeds. Taller tires will do just the opposite while still offering an inaccurate reading.

Tire Width versus Gas Mileage

Tire width is one of the only tire size factors that can influence gas mileage in a positive way. For example, a narrow tire will have less wind resistance, rolling resistance, and weight, thus, increasing gas mileage. If choosing a narrower tire, be aware that they can make the car’s handling characteristics more difficult to control. It is best to always install the proper size tires for your particular vehicle. A professional tire tech or mechanic will have no problem helping you figure this out. Also, keeping your tires fully inflated can improve gas mileage.

Do you need fuel system repair or factory scheduled maintenance for a European car in Carmel, Indianapolis, IN? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for the best deals around town!

More Reads to Check Out:

Top 5 Car Parts Affected By Cold Weather
How to Start the New Year With Better Fuel Mileage
Routine Automotive Services Recommended Just for European Vehicles

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How to Start the New Year With Better Fuel Mileage

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Autohaus

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Was it to save more money? Well, fuel is not cheap; so why not aim to save money in 2021 by improving your gas mileage? All you need is a little adjustment and a little strategy. This means implementing methods and changing your driving habits in order to save fuel and ultimately, money.

New year or not, it is always important to learn ways to make your dollar last longer in your gas tank. So, without further hesitation, continue below and learn some easy gas mileage saving tips that you can apply every day.

Don’t Throw Away Your Hard-Earned Cash. Save Gas Money With These Tips!

Get Better Fuel Efficiency in 2021!

Remove Unwanted Junk From Your Vehicle

The first step to reducing fuel consumption is reducing any excess weight within your vehicle. Remove any heavy items that have been stored there for some time. Things like sporting equipment, clothes, books, trunk items, electronics, building materials, hobby supplies, and garbage can add unnecessary weight to your car. The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it requires for motion, so this is the easiest and quickest way to immediately improve gas mileage on your own.

Try Not to Idle So Much

Another approach to saving on fuel is to avoid long idle times in your car. Next time you go to pick up pizzas for the family, park and walk into the store rather than pulling up and allowing your car to run while you are inside paying. Unbeknown to ordinary drivers, this action causes our fuel to burn up almost as fast as it would if we were driving. Avoid taking lunch breaks in your car, leaving it on while applying makeup, or listening to music before school. This will eat your fuel up faster than you can say fuel economy!

Embrace Better Driving Habits

If you really want to reduce your gas mileage and fuel consumption, try driving better. You may believe you are a fantastic driver, especially if you have a solid record. But this does not mean you can’t improve on your skill. Driving fast, erratically, taking off fast, and coming to abrupt stops can cause your vehicle to use more fuel than it needs to. It can also damage your vehicle’s inner workings. Try driving slower, smoother, and in a more consistent manner can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money in the long run.

Using the right fuel grade is also important to ensure optimal gas mileage and overall vehicle performance!

Have Your Car Serviced Regularly

Perhaps the most effective and recommended way to reduce fuel consumption is to make sure your car is operating optimally. The only way to ensure top vehicle performance is to have your vehicle serviced regularly, and to stay on top of all its necessary factory scheduled maintenance. Car maintenance services like oil changes, automotive fluid changes, air filter changes, engine cleaning, tire rotation and balancing, and tune-ups all contribute to how efficient your car’s fuel consumption will be now and in the future.

Where to Get Your Car’s Fuel System and Economy Checked in Indianapolis

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, or to schedule an appointment, for European auto services or scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indiana. We are German-trained factory mechanics with decades of experience in the European auto service and repair industry. Autohaus Dierolf can work on any make or model European vehicle, including BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. Call 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, today.

5 Ways to Better Gas Mileage

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Autohaus

It is possible to get more out of every gallon of fuel you pump into your gas tank. By simply implementing regular vehicle maintenance and changing the style of your driving, you can achieve better gas mileage on any type of vehicle you own. These five guidelines are ways to reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses, as well as promote a healthier environment.

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5 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency:

Check the Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires are a huge contribution to poor gas mileage. It can increase the fuel consumption as much as 6%. By regularly checking your tire pressure and ensuring they are properly inflated, you can save more fuel with every trip. Tires should be inspected once a month and done so before driving, while the vehicle is still cold. Do not let radial tires fool you; they may look inflated but can actually have low tire pressure. Always check anyway.

Use Less AC

During the hot summer months, your car’s ac unit contributes to almost 10% of increased fuel use. On cooler days, avoid using the car ac unit by rolling down the windows and keeping a cool beverage in your cup holder.

Avoid Jack-Rabbit Driving

Jack-rabbit driving looks similar to a person learning to drive in first gear for the first time. Abrupt starts and hard stops is what we refer to as jack-rabbit driving. Aggressive driving causes your vehicle to use more gas. This can happen when we are stuck in traffic, or in a hurry to get somewhere. Avoid this type of driving and increase your gas mileage.

Obey Speed Limits

Another way to get better gas mileage is to maintain a steady speed when driving. Accelerating and decelerating causes your car to pull more fuel. If you typically drive ten miles over the speed limit on the highway, try going slower to save gas. You will see a difference within a few days. Also, on long stretches of highway, use cruise control. This helps regulate the amount of fuel being consumed per mile.

Drive Less

The most obvious, yet, difficult remedy to poor gas mileage is too much driving. If you can make the commitment to drive less often, it can greatly reduce the amount of fuel you consume per week. Try taking buses, organizing car pools, and walking to closer destinations. Not only can this be good for your fuel budget, it is a great way to improve the environment.

Carmel Auto Service

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

For more information on improving your gas mileage, call Autohaus Dierolf today at 317-571-0800. We are expert German and European car mechanics located in Carmel, IN. We offer advice, guidance, and free estimates too! Visit our Indiana European Car Repair website for a list of services we offer.

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