Most drivers today want to save money at the pump, but not everyone realizes that better fuel efficiency often starts right at home—in your driveway or garage, with a little routine car maintenance. Whether you’re commuting through Peachtree Corners traffic every day or planning a summer road trip, keeping your car in top shape can help you squeeze more miles out of every gallon. At North Atlanta Automotive, we’ve seen firsthand how simple auto repair tips and regular upkeep can make a big difference for your wallet and your vehicle’s performance.
So, how can you boost your fuel efficiency without buying a brand-new hybrid or making major upgrades? Here are practical, easy-to-follow car maintenance tips that will help you get more miles and keep your vehicle running its best.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
One of the simplest ways to improve your fuel efficiency is to check your tires. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder—and burn more fuel—to keep you moving. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in average pressure of all tires.
Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge or stop by a gas station that has an air pump with a built-in gauge. Always follow the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside your driver’s door.
Properly inflated tires also wear more evenly, which means fewer replacements over time—another money-saving bonus.
Don’t Skip Oil Changes
Clean oil reduces friction inside your engine, helping it run smoother and more efficiently. When you neglect oil changes, the old oil thickens and loses its lubricating properties. This makes your engine work harder, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
Stick to the oil change interval recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Many modern cars can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes, but if you do a lot of short trips, stop-and-go driving, or heavy towing, you might need to change it more often.
When you visit North Atlanta Automotive, our experienced technicians use the right oil type and quality for your specific vehicle, so your engine stays protected and your fuel economy stays on track.
Replace Dirty Air Filters
A clogged air filter can choke your engine by restricting the flow of air it needs for combustion. When this happens, your engine compensates by burning more fuel. While many newer cars use sensors that adjust for airflow, a dirty air filter can still impact fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Inspect your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more often if you drive on dusty roads. Replacing it is an easy, affordable fix that can help your car breathe easy and keep your miles per gallon where they should be.
Get Regular Tune-Ups and Inspections
When your car’s systems are out of sync, you’re losing fuel efficiency. For example, spark plugs that are worn out or misfiring can cut fuel economy by up to 30%. That’s money wasted every time you drive.
Routine tune-ups help catch issues before they become bigger problems. During a tune-up, a trusted auto repair shop like North Atlanta Automotive will inspect spark plugs, ignition timing, fuel injectors, and other key components to make sure everything is firing the way it should.
Modern vehicles don’t always need tune-ups as often as older models, but they do benefit from regular inspections. If your check engine light comes on, don’t ignore it—getting it diagnosed early can prevent poor fuel efficiency and bigger repair bills down the road.
Keep an Eye on Your Suspension and Alignment
When your wheels aren’t properly aligned or your suspension is worn out, your tires drag rather than roll smoothly. That added resistance increases fuel consumption and causes uneven tire wear, which costs you even more in the long run.
If you notice your car pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel, or unusual tire wear, it’s time for an alignment check. At North Atlanta Automotive, our technicians perform thorough diagnostics and inspections to ensure your vehicle’s suspension and alignment are exactly where they need to be.
Lighten Your Load
Hauling around extra weight can also hurt your gas mileage. According to the EPA, an extra 100 pounds in your car could reduce your MPG by about 1%. That might not sound like much, but over thousands of miles, it adds up.
Empty your trunk of heavy gear you don’t need, remove that roof rack if you’re not using it, and don’t store unnecessary tools or items in your back seat. It’s an easy win for fuel efficiency and your back.
Drive Smoothly
Good driving habits go hand in hand with good car maintenance when it comes to fuel economy. Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and speeding can lower your miles per gallon significantly.
Try to maintain a steady speed, use cruise control on the highway when it’s safe to do so, and anticipate stops and slowdowns ahead of time. Your engine, brakes, and wallet will all thank you.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Strange noises, odd smells, vibrations, or warning lights are often your car’s way of telling you something isn’t right. And when something’s not right, you’re probably burning more fuel than you should be.
If you notice anything unusual, get it checked out by a professional. A small issue today—like a malfunctioning sensor or a misfiring cylinder—can quickly turn into a bigger, more expensive problem tomorrow. Our team at North Atlanta Automotive uses detailed diagnostics to catch these problems early, keeping your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency at its best.
Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
All the car maintenance tips in the world won’t help if they’re not done consistently. Your owner’s manual outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for your specific make and model, including oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, brake inspections, and more.
If keeping track feels overwhelming, don’t worry—our team can help you stay on top of it. At North Atlanta Automotive, we’ll work with you to create a maintenance plan that fits your budget, your schedule, and your car’s unique needs.
Trust a Shop That Puts You First
Plenty of auto shops will push unnecessary upsells or make repairs you don’t really need. That’s not how we do business. At North Atlanta Automotive, honesty and transparency come first. Our technicians are salaried, not commission-based, which means you’ll only get recommendations that make sense for your car—nothing more, nothing less.
When you combine trustworthy advice with top-quality workmanship, you’ll keep your car running efficiently for years to come. That means fewer stops at the gas station, more money in your pocket, and the peace of mind that your vehicle is ready for whatever the road throws your way.
Ready to save more at the pump and drive with confidence? Let’s get your car in top shape. Schedule your next maintenance visit with North Atlanta Automotive in Peachtree Corners today—where honest service and real results go hand in hand.