SERVICE and MAINTENANCE are key factors for any discussion or consideration of optimizing used car fuel economy for all it has to give and offer. Get an expert in on the job if you are not comfortable doing some of it yourself.
If you take a closer look at the fuel economy standards, information and labeling in industry (even for used car fuel economy statistics), it quickly becomes apparent that there are lots of factors to consider and that you can do, to make the most of your used vehicle. Specifically and even when facing challenges of making the most of fuel efficiency, even for an older or used car.
Source link: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2006intro.pdf
When you are considering your used car fuel economy ratings and performance, it will surely vary from these EPA ratings for a variety of different reasons. According to the fuel economy guide released by the EPA and DOE the used car fuel economy ratings are most certainly NOT set in stone and a fixed number by any means.
There are many things that can affect the used car fuel economy and performance that you might be getting on your vehicle:
Aggressive driving (hard acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and braking in stop-and-go traffic
Cold weather
Driving with a heavy load
Driving with air conditioner running
Improperly tuned engine
dirty air filter
under-inflated tires
Small variations in vehicle manufacturing can
make and model
where you drive
how you drive
weather
Road conditions
Condition of your car
other factors.
One of the major challenges in calculating and using fuel economy metrics , also for used car fuel economy, are that there are not really any set of numbers or estimates that can effectively and precisely address all drivers, vehicles and conditions.
In the end it is up to you to ensure that you used car fuel economy comes to its right, giving you all it has to give, also in miles traveled per gallon!
Getting and keeping your car in shape should be a top priority. Tuning, regular service, good parts, oil, fuel and additives, even oxygen sensors can improve fuel efficiency significantly. Some say by as much as 4%! Clogged air filters are other culprits that could be robbing you both of performance and mileage.
Recommended tire pressure and a car that is in good repair will save you money and heartache and get you more value at the pump.
Intakes and exhausts, valves and other enhancers can all help you get the most from your used car fuel economy value – make the most of it!
