Gas prices have skyrocketed in the past few weeks owing to the Russia-Ukraine war. We surely can’t do much to decrease those prices, but we need to either cut down our car use or increase the car mileage in order to save some money. Cutting down car use can’t be done but we can do various things which will increase the gas mileage and will ease the burden on our pockets. So, how to improve gas mileage mechanically?
There are various things you can do by yourself which will increase the gas mileage. It includes changing the spark plugs, replacing the filters, keeping the tires aligned and at the right pressure, replacing the failed thermostat, and of course reducing the weight in the car. So these things will definitely work to increase the mileage.
Let’s get to know about these methods in detail and some more car mileage.
Is there a way to increase gas mileage?
Yes, there are various ways to increase the mileage of your car. Moreover, you can do it by yourself. From changing car filters, to spark plugs, to keeping eye on tires and their alignment, many things can contribute to increasing the gas mileage.
They don’t even need a visit to the mechanic and you can easily do them by yourself.
How to improve gas mileage mechanically?
Here are the various ways to improve gas mileage mechanically:
1) Replacing the Air Filters
Every year, your engine draws approximately 14 million gallons of air through the air filter. If your car is older than 1999, a dirty air filter might raise your fuel consumption by as much as 10%. However, in modern automobiles, the computer is able to detect reduced airflow and reduce fuel use accordingly. So the engine will lack power and acceleration.
So to keep the power and acceleration alright with gas consumption reduced and mileage improved, change the air filters of the car.
2) Change the Spark Plugs
The work of a spark plug is critical. They supply the ignition’s electric current to the engine in order to start the combustion that makes it work. The bottom line is that you won’t get very far without spark plugs in your car.
If you replace your spark plugs as needed and don’t allow them to wear out, you’ll be able to preserve your gas mileage at a reasonable level. A new set of spark plugs can improve the performance of your engine. It is recommended that you have your spark plugs examined after every 30,000 miles as well.
3) Change the Motor Oil
There are two factors at play regarding your motor oil. First and foremost, you must use the grade specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you use the incorrect oil, the efficiency and mileage of the car will be reduced.
The second issue is that stale oil might block the system. Unclean oil that becomes sludge is one of the most prevalent ways to destroy an engine. Get it changed around every 4,000 miles.
Using the right oil and replacing it at the right time will increase the mileage by 3%.
4) Check on Mass Air Flow Sensor
Nowadays, automobiles are much more computerized. The computer controls fuel injection based on data from the mass airflow sensor. The sensor can become filthy or damaged, causing erroneous results.
Inaccurate air flow estimates can affect the vehicle’s fuel economy, leading the engine to work harder than necessary. If you clean that sensor, you’ll see an increase in engine performance and improved gas mileage.
5) Keep the Oxygen Sensor working properly
After the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor monitors exhaust flow. Fuel injection control and engine performance can be compromised if the exhaust flow cannot be accurately measured. Sensors should be replaced every 100,000 miles, according to industry standards.
So, check on the oxygen sensor and get it replaced to increase the fuel mileage.
6) Keep the Tires at Right Pressure
Having underinflated tires can raise your fuel usage by up to 3 percent. In addition, improper tire inflation can lead to accelerated tread deterioration. Sixty to eighty percent of the automobiles on the road have underinflated tires, according to surveys. This waste of fuel might cost hundreds annually.
Check the owner’s handbook or the sidewall of the tire for the recommended PSI and keep your tires at the right pressure.
7) Keep the Tires Aligned
If your tires are out of alignment by.017 inches, that is comparable to pushing your tire sideways for 102 miles each 20,000 miles driven, resulting in poor mileage and effect on tires.
It is possible to check your vehicle’s alignment without taking it to a shop. Acquire a tread depth gauge and determine the depth of the tread on both edges of each tire. If one tire side is more worn than the other, your vehicle requires alignment.
8) Replace the failed Thermostat
Temperatures in the coolant can be drastically lowered by a thermostat that opens too quickly or that stays open for too long. Simply use a cheap infrared laser thermometer to confirm the temperature.
Just point it at the thermostat case. If your engine is warm and the thermometer reads less than 160 degrees Fahrenheit, you are wasting gas and need to replace the thermostat.
9) Check on the Brake Drag
Brake drag can significantly reduce your mileage. Brake calipers have a bad habit of rusting, binding, and reducing gas mileage. You can test them with a low-cost non-contact infrared laser thermometer. After a drive, simply remove the wheel cover and aim the laser at the wheel hub.
Examine the differences between the right and left readings. If they vary by more than 20 percent, you likely have a dragging brake or a wheel bearing issue; therefore, you should get it repaired.
10) Keep Your Car at Mileage Speed
Cars lose fuel efficiency after hitting 45-50 mph. Slow and steady wins the race. When feasible, stick to the posted speed limit and put the car on cruise control. To save money on gas, steer clear of sudden acceleration and harsh braking whenever possible.
11) Reduce the Weight in the Car
Even 100 pounds can decrease your fuel economy. Clear away forgotten bags, sports gear, and extra books, and you’ll be astounded by how much you’ve accumulated.
Do not neglect the exterior of your vehicle. Remove unnecessary accessories that increase wind resistance and reduce fuel economy.
Also, eliminate rear-mounted cargo containers. Roof-mounted cargo boxes can affect fuel economy by 6 to 17 percent at highway speeds, whereas their rear-mounted counterparts typically have an impact of 1 to 5 percent.
Bottom Line
These were the various legit ways of how to improve gas mileage mechanically. You can easily check them and fix them at home. If something is not possible to do by yourself, get it repaired, replaced, or removed from a mechanic and then see the gas mileage getting improved.
We hope you found this article helpful & informative. Please leave your valuable thoughts & suggestions in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!
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