Fuel Economy with Chevrolet with Certified Service at Zeigler Chevy Scahumburg

Boosting Fuel Efficiency With Chevrolet Certified Service

by Chevrolet in the News on April 7, 2011

It’s true that Chevrolet already boasts a strong lineup of fuel-efficient products like the all-new Cruze, capable of a segment-leading 42 mpg highway, and the innovative Volt, which can deliver up to 50 miles of all-electric, no-emissions driving, followed by hundreds of more miles at an EPA-certified rate of 37 mpg combined. But the brand’s commitment to helping customers save fuel—and money—doesn’t end there. That’s why the team at Chevrolet Certified Service has just released its top 12 ways to help cut fuel costs:

• Get a tune up: In normal cases, properly tuning an engine can increase fuel efficiency by about 4 percent accord to the EPA, while repairing a more serious engine problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can result in a fuel-economy increase of up to 40 percent.
• Visit the other pump: Following recommended guidelines for tire pressure can mean up to 3.3 percent better gas mileage, as well as improved tire safety and durability. And remember, even with a tire pressure monitoring system, Chevy advises drivers to check their tires with a good air-pressure gauge at least once a month.
• Less weight = more mileage: Get rid of any unnecessary weight you may be carrying in your vehicle, and this includes removing ski and bike racks when the season is over. Not only do the racks add weight, but even empty ones can harm a vehicle’s aerodynamics, which noticeably reduces fuel efficiency.
• Go slow: Although individual vehicles differ, gas mileage usually starts falling rapidly above 60 mph; every 5 mph over that mark is equivalent to adding an additional 24 cents per gallon to your gas bill.
• Don’t idle: It’s simple—when the engine is on but the car isn’t moving, your fuel-efficiency works out to exactly 0 mpg. Spending 15 minutes in a drive-through line can use up a quarter gallon of gas.
• Remain cool: Sudden changes in acceleration and braking can reduce fuel efficiency by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
• Maximum overdrive: Relying on an overdrive gear at highway speeds cuts engine speed and boosts mileage.
• Enjoy the fresh air: Air conditioning can slice 10 percent off your fuel efficiency numbers, but keep an eye on the speedometer. If you’re going slower than 40 mph, keep the windows down instead of the air conditioning on; but if you’re going above 45 mhttp://www.z-chevy.com/ph, keep in mind that wind drag eats up more fuel than running the a/c at that speed.
• Fix your filters: A dirty or clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency by some 14 percent on older vehicles without fuel injection and other computer-controlled technologies.
• Get the right oil: Using a manufacturer’s recommended engine oil helps reduce friction so the engine doesn’t have to work as hard—and boosts mileage in the process.
• Make a plan: Proactively pick driving routes and times where and when there’s less congestion.
• Keep a lid on it: Tighten your gas cap properly! According to a report by the Discovery Channel, loose or poorly fitting gas caps send 147 million gallons of gas into the air as vapor every single year.

And for even more fuel-saving tips, be sure to talk with your local Chevrolet Certified Service technician today.

To make your service appoitment today visit our website Zeigler Chevrolet or you can reach us at 847-882-2200