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Thursday, July 23, 2015

How to Raise Fuel Efficiency on a New or Used Car from Oklahoma City Car Dealerships



Today's auto industry is steering production toward more fuel efficient vehicles. Besides the public's demand for higher fuel economy, the government has cracked down on emission standards as well. Oklahoma City car dealerships are filled with vehicles that provide top fuel economy so that you help the environment and save money at the pumps. After buying a new or used car, it is important to uncover tips that maximize fuel efficiency throughout the life of your vehicle.

Engine Break-in and Maintenance

After buying new vehicles from OKC car dealerships, it is helpful to understand the best ways to break in the engines. It is often recommended to avoid constant speeds, high-speed testing, and heavy towing for the first 1,000 miles. After driving approximately 5,000 miles, the engines will be properly seasoned and capable of receiving optimum fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is important as well. When precautions are taken to keep a car running well, the vehicle will deliver maximum performance. This means a car will remain at peak efficiency, which translates to peak fuel economy.

A common car part that goes ignored is the air filter. A dirty filter lowers fuel economy by a staggering 10 percent. Replacing a clogged filter, especially in a car with a carburetor engine, improves both acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Driving Style

A person's driving style has a large impact on fuel economy. Aggressive driving, quick acceleration, speeding, and hard braking reduces fuel economy by over 30 percent on the highway and approximately 5 percent in town. Excessive idling contributes to lowered fuel economy as well. To maximize efficiency, it is advised to regulate speed and avoid running a vehicle while it is parked.

Weight and Towing

A vehicle's weight plays an important role in fuel economy. When a car is heavy, it requires a high amount of fuel to move. Many people are not aware of the extra weight that is carried around in a vehicle. It is extremely common to cram a trunk with unnecessary items. It is much smarter to keep a vehicle clean and clutter-free. This improves fuel economy by at least two miles per gallon.

Towing presents a challenge to fuel efficiency as well. While towing another vehicle or trailer, extra weight is added, which decreases fuel economy. It is estimated that for every 100 pounds of added weight, fuel economy drops by 2 percent. When people frequently tow heavy items, it is recommended to buy vehicles from Oklahoma City car dealerships with larger engines. Powerful engines experience lower drops in gas mileage than smaller engines. 

There are many factors that affect a car's fuel efficiency. However, it is important to select vehicles from car dealerships in Oklahoma City that rate well. Salesmen will be able to answer any questions and provide additional tips so that you maximize your ride's performance and enjoy top fuel economy.