Your Chevy is designed for fuel efficiency, but time and worn components can decrease this and cost you more at the pump. As your Chevy dealer, we want to give you a few tips on how to increase your Chevy fuel efficiency.
Air Filter Replacement
Combustion requires fuel and air that mix in a precise ratio of 14:1 air-to-fuel. Air is drawn through the radiator grille and passes into the air filter. This filter traps dirt and dust, so only clean air enters the engine. In time, this filter will become blocked by dirt. Without enough air, your engine becomes fuel-rich, and fuel efficiency will drop.
A fuel-rich engine can’t burn fuel efficiently, and much of it is wasted. On average, a blocked filter causes a huge 10% increase in fuel usage. Once we replace this filter, fuel economy will immediately return to normal.
Plan Refueling Carefully
Choosing the right time to gas up can save you money. If you head for the pump early in the morning or later in the evening, you effectively get more fuel for your cash. This is because fuel is dispensed by volume, and lower temperatures increase fuel density, so you get more bang for your buck.
Check Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is the angle of your wheels relative to your Chevy’s centerline. The correct wheel alignment for your Chevy is determined during the designed phase to ensure correct weight distribution and enhance drivability. As time passes, wheel alignment will alter, and this decreases fuel economy.
Incorrect alignment increases drag, forcing your engine to work harder to move your Chevy. This increases fuel usage by up to 10%. We correct this problem by connecting your wheels to our computerized wheel alignment system. This machine adjusts each wheel to its correct angle.
Replace Worn Spark Plugs
Worn spark plugs may still work, but the older the plug, the less efficient it is. A spark plug screws into each engine cylinder and ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture at the height of compression. This ensures the mixture burns perfectly, creating a timed series of mini explosions that move your vehicle.
Old, worn plugs can fail to spark, causing a misfire or stalling your engine. Misfiring can damage the cylinders and pistons and increase fuel usage since most of the fuel doesn’t burn. We’ll check your plugs and replace any that are worn or damaged.
Check Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires suffer increased wear and tear as the softer side rubber is exposed to surface friction. They also decrease fuel efficiency, as they create resistance when driving. Your engine has to work harder to overcome this resistance, increasing fuel costs.
If you’d like more fuel-saving tips or to book a service, contact us today at Trapp Chevrolet in Houma, LA.
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