Tips to Improve Your Honda Vehicle’s Fuel Economy
Driving a Honda is an enjoyable experience, thanks to its smooth handling, reliability, and comfort. But did you know you can boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency even further? Whether you want to save money at the pump or reduce your environmental impact, a few simple driving habits and maintenance tips can help you get more miles per gallon.
At Battison Honda in Oklahoma City, OK, we’re here to help you make the most of your Honda’s performance. Check out these expert tips to maximize fuel economy!
Top Tips for Maximizing Your Honda’s Fuel Economy
1. Avoid Excessive Idling
Leaving your car running while parked or waiting at a stoplight wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Honda vehicles start up efficiently, so restarting your car typically uses less fuel than idling for extended periods.
2. Drive at a Steady Speed
Speeding may get you to your destination faster, but it burns more fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, driving over 55 mph can reduce fuel economy significantly. In fact, every five mph over 50 mph can cost you an additional $0.15 per gallon in fuel consumption.
To conserve gas, follow posted speed limits and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking.
3. Use Cruise Control on Highways
Maintaining a constant speed is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency. When driving on highways, use cruise control to help your vehicle maintain steady fuel consumption. This reduces unnecessary acceleration and braking, which can waste gas.
4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. In fact, driving on improperly inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
To prevent this, check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level found in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side door. Properly inflated tires also extend tread life, saving you money in the long run.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Weight
The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or cargo area, especially heavy loads that are not needed for daily driving. While Honda vehicles are designed for efficiency, carrying excess weight can lower your gas mileage.
6. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance
A well-maintained car runs more efficiently. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, ensures that your Honda is operating at its best.
Worn-out spark plugs, dirty air filters, and old motor oil can all cause your engine to work harder than necessary, leading to lower fuel economy. Be sure to follow your Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep everything in top condition.
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These are some of the most important points to keep in mind if you want to maximize the fuel efficiency of your Honda. There are several other ways you can improve your car’s mileage, such as:
- Using the correct motor oil
- Use overdrive gears (if it’s available in your car)
- Reduce the use of air conditioning
- Replace the spark plugs
If you are not yet a proud owner of a Honda, we invite you to check out our inventory of new and pre-owned models. Our dedicated finance team will be happy to assist you with the loan application process.