What Affects Fuel Efficiency?

Fuel efficiency is something that is becoming an increasing concern for many drivers. From fuel savings to reducing your carbon footprint, there are many reasons why you may want to have an efficient vehicle.

What Is Affecting My Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency?

Your driving habits have a big part to play in how fuel-efficient your vehicle is. Let’s take a look at some factors affecting the amount of mileage you get from each tank of fuel.

Speeding

Not only is it illegal to speed, but it’s also a way to impact your vehicle’s efficiency. Driving too fast increases air resistance, making your engine work harder and burn more fuel.

Excess Weight

If you’re carrying too much in the trunk, it’s time for a clear-out! Loading down your vehicle with heavy items makes its engine work much harder, increasing your fuel consumption.

Sharp Braking and Accelerating

If you drive aggressively, your vehicle has to switch gears faster, and that can significantly impact your fuel economy, especially if you brake and accelerate sharply on a regular basis and over long distances.

Short Journeys

If you’re always hopping into your vehicle to take a quick trip to the local store, you might want to limit those shorter trips. Short journeys don’t give your engine sufficient time to fully warm up, causing it to use up more fuel.

Cold Weather Travel

It takes much longer for your vehicle’s engine to properly warm up during cold weather, so it’ll burn more fuel with each winter trip.

Idling 

Leaving your engine running to allow your vehicle to warm up on cold days or while parked is bad news for your fuel economy. You’ll be burning fuel without going anywhere.

Poor Maintenance

You don’t want to overlook regular vehicle maintenance, because you might end up spending more in the long run if you forget your annual service. Poorly maintained vehicles are less efficient. For example, failing to replace a dirty air filter will affect the performance of your engine, in turn requiring it to use more fuel.

Tire Problems

Tires that are poorly aligned or worn will put your vehicle under extra strain, causing its engine to work harder and burning more fuel.

Looking for an Efficient Car in Baltimore, MD?

If it’s time to invest in a new, efficient vehicle, you need look no further than our dealership! Visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, in Baltimore, MD to see our impressive range of new Toyota vehicles.

Tags: Fuel Efficiency FAQs
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