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Your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy: More Than Just MPG

Most drivers focus on miles per gallon (MPG) when thinking about fuel economy. While that number is a useful benchmark, it’s only part of the story. Fuel economy is affected by everything from your tire pressure and engine performance to your alignment and even how heavy your car is. The good news? Many of these factors are within your control.

1. Stay on Top of Oil Changes

Let’s start with one of the simplest—and most often ignored—car care tips: regular oil changes.

Clean engine oil reduces friction inside your engine. When your oil is dirty or low, your engine works harder, burns more fuel, and wears out faster. At Abe’s Auto Inc., we use high-quality oils that help your engine run smoother and more efficiently. That not only improves fuel economy, but also extends your engine’s life.

Pro Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. For most modern cars, that’s every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

You’d be surprised how much a few PSI can affect your fuel consumption. Under-inflated tires create extra rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder, and that burns more gas.

Check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially during extreme temperatures, which can cause pressure to fluctuate. At Abe’s Auto Inc., we offer tire sales and service, and we’re always happy to check your pressure or recommend the best tires for your car and driving needs.

Bonus Benefit: Properly inflated tires also wear more evenly and last longer, saving you money in the long run.

3. Address That Check Engine Light—Don’t Ignore It

That little light on your dash isn’t just there to annoy you. When your check engine light is on, your car may be running inefficiently, even if it seems to drive just fine.

One of the most common causes of poor fuel economy is a faulty oxygen sensor. This small component helps regulate your air-fuel mixture, and when it’s off, your car could be burning more gas than necessary.

At Abe’s Auto Inc., we specialize in electrical system diagnostics and can quickly pinpoint the issue behind your warning lights. Catching small problems early keeps your fuel economy high and your repair bills low.

4. Don’t Forget the Air Filter

Think of your engine like a set of lungs. If it can’t breathe, it won’t run well. A clogged air filter limits the amount of clean air entering your engine, leading to a rich fuel mixture that burns more gas than needed.

Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest car care tips out there. It’s inexpensive, quick, and can boost your MPG, especially in stop-and-go traffic common in Chicago.

5. Get Your Alignment Checked

Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and create extra drag. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel isn’t centered, there’s a good chance your alignment is off.

Driving with poor alignment not only hurts your fuel economy, it also wears down your suspension and tires faster. Fortunately, the fix is simple. Bring your vehicle to Abe’s Auto Inc., where we’ll get your alignment back to factory spec. The result? A smoother ride and improved efficiency.

6. Keep Your Suspension in Good Shape

Speaking of smooth rides—your suspension system does more than just keep you comfortable. Worn shocks, struts, and other suspension parts can affect your wheel alignment and increase rolling resistance.

If you’ve noticed bouncing, swaying, or a rough ride, your suspension may need attention. At Abe’s Auto Inc., we offer complete suspension repair services to restore comfort and control. And when your car rides like it should, it uses fuel more efficiently.

7. Don’t Let Emissions Issues Linger

If you’re due for SMOG testing or failed an emissions test, don’t wait to fix it. Emissions-related problems often cause your car to run rich, burning more fuel than necessary and increasing pollution.

Our state-of-the-art SMOG testing at Abe’s Auto Inc. ensures your vehicle meets Illinois emissions standards. If repairs are needed, our experienced technicians will make sure you pass with flying colors and get your car back to peak efficiency.

8. Reduce Unnecessary Weight

Carrying excess weight—especially in the trunk or cargo area—makes your engine work harder. It’s a small but often overlooked factor in fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t regularly use, and avoid treating your car like a mobile storage unit.

Rule of Thumb: Every extra 100 pounds can reduce your MPG by up to 2%.

9. Mind Your Driving Habits

Proper vehicle maintenance plays a major role in fuel economy, but how you drive matters, too.

Avoid rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding. Use cruise control when possible and keep your RPMs low by driving in the right gear. Smooth, steady driving uses less fuel and reduces strain on your engine and transmission.

If you’re unsure whether your car is performing at its best, a tune-up at Abe’s Auto Inc. can help restore optimal engine efficiency.