The top 5 ways to better fuel efficiency from EcoCarOnline.com

The harder your vehicle has to work, the less gas mileage you will get. Period.

Keeping your vehicle in optimal condition.

Tip #1. Oxygen Sensors

Make sure that your engine is properly tuned and maintained. Many times when a vehicle does not pass smog is because it needs general maintenance or a tune up.

For example, your vehicle has multiple oxygen sensors that are hooked up to your vehicles on board computer diagnostic system. This computer regularly checks these oxygen sensors to make sure the balance of fuel and oxygen is correct. If you have a faulty oxygen sensor, the computer may think it has the proper mix of fuel and oxygen, while in fact, it may be injecting too much fuel into the cylinders! Costing you more money at the pump and adding excessive amounts of pollution into our atmosphere!

Tip #2. Air Filters

Make sure that you check your air filter often. A clogged or worn air filter can restrict airflow to your engine. This is not good. Your engine should not have to breath from a straw. This is an easy task. Most car manufactures make it easy for the owner to clean their air filters. Usually consisting of a couple clamps to remove the filter.

If the air filter is damaged or the rubber seals are torn. Replace it. The last thing you want is dirt or small pebbles getting into your engine cylinders.

There are many after market filters as well that can aid in less restrictive air flow to your engine.

Tip #3. Tire Pressure and Size

Make sure you are using the appropriate size tires for your vehicle and that those tires are inflated to your manufactures recommended tire pressure. Low tire pressure is not only unsafe to you and others, but also lowers your fuel efficiency.

Sensible and Save Driving

Tip #4. Heavy Acceleration and Speeding

Rapid acceleration and speeding is unsafe and is bad on gas mileage. You can easily lower your fuel efficiency by 30% from heavy acceleration and excessive speeding. More realistically, you can expect a 5% to 20% savings in fuel if you change your driving habits. Also, each vehicle has its own optimal fuel efficiency speed. Usually in the range of 35 - 65 mph. Anything above that is not as efficient and you will begin to get less mileage for your buck.

Tip #5. Excess Weight and Idling

The heavier your vehicle is, the more energy needed to move it. This energy comes from your gasoline. And gasoline comes from your wallet! If you don't need all the junk in the trunk, take it out!

Also, if you plan on having your car idle for more than 5 minutes, turn it off. You get 0 mpg when you idle. It can't get any worse than that

More tips coming soon. Check back often.