You can improve your gas mileage by remembering to do some simple maintenance on your car now before winter sets in. Winter is not that far away. The temperatures are beginning to get colder and nights are getting downright chilly. Before you know it the white stuff will be falling and winter will be upon us.
Before that happens, you can start to make some small tweaks with your car that will improve your fuel economy greatly in the winter. There are two things you can start thinking about now, your oil and your tires.
Make sure your oil is the right oil for low temperatures. As temperatures drop it the oil in your car will become thicker. If your oil is too thick it will not be able to lubricate your engine properly. An engine that isn't properly lubricated will use more gas but it will also sustain damage.
Your owners manual should list the correct grade of oil for colder weather. Cold temperatures require an oil that is thinner than oil you would use during warm weather. A multi-grade oil might work just fine if that is what you are using now. Ask your car dealer or check your manual to determine the right grade for your car.
Another problem that cold temperatures bring is that of tire pressure. In cold temperatures the pressure in your tires drops. If your tires were at the correct pressure at 75 degrees, they will be 4 to 11 pounds too low at 25 degrees and will be 8 to 15 pounds too low at 5 degrees.
Even in the fall, as temperatures fall into the 50's, 40's and 30's your tires could be 5 lbs under inflated. That means your tires could be under inflated right now! That will cost you gas mileage and could accelerate wear on your tires.
The most common overall condition that contributes to bad fuel economy is low tire pressure. Statistics show that at least 25 per cent of all cars on the highways have at least one tire that is under inflated. At 4 to 11 pounds under inflated you will be reducing your fuel economy by 2 to 4 percent.
You will see a one to two pound drop in tire pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. If you set your pressures in July, they'll be too low now!
You need to check your tires on a regular basis. If you get into the habit of checking them every month, the colder temperatures will not catch you by surprise.
Your oil and tire pressure are two areas that will rob you of good gas mileage as the temperature starts to drop. Preparing now will prevent you from wasting fuel and money. Think about changing your oil now and keep your eye on the tire pressure. A little planning can save you fuel and money as winter approaches.
