The era of electric vehicles is advancing, but cars with internal combustion engines, including partial emission vehicles, will be popular on the US market for at least 10-15 years.

The fuel price is constantly rising, so saving on it is a natural desire that is not worth fighting. Find out what fuel consumption of your car depends on, what simple steps to take to reduce it, and what you should not do if you don’t want to end up with costly repairs.

How to Find Out the Real Fuel Consumption

Before you start saving, you need to know the exact fuel consumption of your car. The easiest way is to look at it on the dashboard, but not all cars show consumption right. And every driver has the right to question the indicators and, just in case, double-check them:

1. Refuel the car to a full tank.
2. Record or take a photo of the mileage and the amount filled into the tank. If the car is very old, you can record the total mileage. The onboard computer of almost any car produced since the 2000 year and newer should be able to count the mileage of the trip: in this case, reset the counter to zero.
3. Drive your car as usual.
4. Repeat the cycle 4-5 times, and do not forget to record the mileage and the amount of fuel.
5. Collect all the readings and calculate the fuel consumption per 60 miles using the formula: total liters / (total mileage / 60). Compare it with the onboard computer reading.

If you see that the figures differ, and the real consumption is much higher, the car may require diagnostics. But sometimes the car is just not that fuel-efficient, and maybe it is worth considering a more economical vehicle. Fortunately, there are plenty of options, not only among cars. For example, check the list of the best mpg SUVs. 

Working Ways to Save on Fuel

Turn off comfort assist systems when they are of no use. The air conditioner, heating, and other energy consumers will increase consumption. We do not recommend suffering from the heat, but in autumn or even winter, the air conditioner can be turned on once a month to keep it working. 

Try to drive with the windows closed. An open window violates the car aerodynamics: it resists air currents more strongly, and consumption increases.

Use loyalty programs. Most gas stations have a loyalty program. Usually, this is a plastic card, which is credited with bonuses for each liter purchased. You can spend bonuses on buying something in the store, exchanging for souvenirs, or even refueling. It is hard to single out a leader in terms of loyalty, but you can choose the most profitable gas station closest to your routes. The main thing is not to reach the point of absurdity: a long trip to a cheap gas station and back can reset all saving on fuel.

Find self-service gasoline stations. There is no big building, you can not buy coffee or go to the toilet. But the fuel will be cheaper than on a full-size gas station of the same network. Terminals perform the role of cashiers: you can pay for refueling by card, cash, or a mobile app.

Non-Working and Dangerous Ways to Economize

Remove catalyst. A catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. Fuel consumption will only decrease if you remove or replace a clogged or melted catalyst that is defective and interferes with the natural movement of exhaust gases. The catalyst is clogged due to poor-quality fuel, a faulty engine – when oil or unburned gasoline flies into the pipe, or due to other reasons. If you remove a working catalyst, fuel consumption will not decrease.

Use additives. There are many different additives for engine oil and fuel on the market. Mostly liquid, but those for fuel can also be in the form of tablets. On the label or in the advertising booklet, they promise significant changes in the characteristics of the car: there will be more horsepower, fuel consumption will decrease, the old engine will stop eating oil, and many other miracles will happen – up to a complete replacement of engine parts.

The additive may indeed help diesel fuel not freeze in the cold, it may have cleaning properties and help prevent problems with the fuel system, but fuel consumption will rest the same. Moreover, the bottle is not cheap, and at the end of the day, you will seriously overpay.

How to Stop Wasting Money on Fuel 

• Measure fuel consumption: collect statistics for 1000–1500 miles. Do not rely on the readings of the onboard computer.
• Compare the result with the results of the same cars. Do not believe manufacturers’ statements, it is better to look at the forums and chats of the owners of the same car as yours. If your consumption is higher by 30% or more, it is a sign to start solving the problem.
• Go from simple and free to more complex. Begin with removing a roof rack, and proceed to complex diagnostics and parts replacement. In Indiana, you can address Indy Auto Man. They have experience with all brands and can offer top-quality service and a good stock of spare parts.