Introduction
If you own an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), congratulations! The Department of Energy recently reported that AFVs are getting better gas mileage than conventional vehicles. But if you want to be able to boast about your AFV’s efficiency on a regular basis, there are a few things you can do to ensure its performance continues to impress.
Get regular maintenance.
If you’re going to invest in an alternative fuel vehicle, it’s important to make sure that your car is running as efficiently and effectively as possible. Regular maintenance is key–you want your car running at its peak performance so that it can help keep the environment clean while saving money on gas.
But how do you know if your mechanic is doing a good job? And what kind of maintenance should they be performing on your vehicle? Read on for some tips on finding a reliable mechanic and making sure they’re doing their job right!
Be conservative.
- Drive at a steady speed.
- Don’t accelerate too quickly, especially when driving up hills.
- Don’t brake too hard, especially when driving down hills.
- Avoid driving at full throttle all the time and be aware that some vehicles may require more fuel than others to maintain the same speed over long distances (e.g., ethanol blends).
Check your tire pressure often.
Check your tire pressure before every trip, and once a week if you drive less than 5,000 miles per year. If your car is used primarily as a commuter vehicle and gets driven to work and back on a daily basis, it may be beneficial to check the tire pressure once every month or two.
If your vehicle is used primarily for long-distance travel (more than 10,000 miles annually), checking the inflation levels of each wheel at least once a month is recommended.
Keep the vehicle cool during hot months.
You can help your vehicle keep its cool by turning on the air conditioner, keeping windows up and vents open, and not using the defrost setting. If you do need to use the defrost setting, open a window for a few minutes to let hot air out before putting it back on again.
When parked in the sun with no shade available (or if there is shade but it’s not enough), use your parking brake instead of engaging park or neutral so that your engine doesn’t overheat from being idle all day long.
Be aware of how your driving affects performance and mileage.
- Driving style has a big impact on how your vehicle performs and gets the most out of its fuel.
- Keep the vehicle in good condition.
- Avoid aggressive driving–that is, don’t accelerate quickly or brake hard unless necessary. This type of driving style can cause premature wear on parts such as brakes and tires, which can affect your overall efficiency and performance.
- Avoid jackrabbit starts (sudden acceleration) and heavy loads as much as possible; both will decrease mileage per gallon significantly over time!
Keep it clean (inside and out).
Your vehicle’s engine, exhaust and fuel system are all sensitive to dirt and grime. If these components become clogged or contaminated, they will not operate at peak efficiency. You should keep the inside of your vehicle clean by vacuuming regularly and wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth as needed.
When it comes to cleaning the outside of your car or truck, there are two things you need: time and patience! This process can take several hours depending on how dirty (or dusty) it is–so make sure that when you start cleaning off all that dirt, dust and mud from last week’s camping trip that you set aside enough time for this task!
Alternative Fuel Vehicles can be more efficient if you take care of them properly
Alternative fuel vehicles can be more efficient than traditional vehicles. However, it’s important to remember that these types of cars are still machines and will require a certain amount of maintenance in order to perform at their best. Here are some tips for maximizing the performance of your alternative fuel vehicle:
- Regularly check tire pressure and keep up with routine maintenance. This helps ensure your car runs smoothly when you need it most–when you’re out on the road!
- Be conservative with driving style, especially during hot months when temperatures inside the engine compartment can rise quickly (and dangerously).
- Keep cool during hot months by keeping windows rolled down or using air conditioning if possible (if equipped). Be sure not to block any vents while driving either!
Conclusion
We hope that these tips will help you get the most out of your Alternative Fuel Vehicle. After all, it’s a big investment, and you want it to last as long as possible!