Fuel Efficiency Practices for Subaru Drivers

Subaru models are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. But your Subaru fuel efficiency can be even better if you follow a few tips from your Bay Area Subaru dealer!

Get Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps all the components functioning not just correctly, but optimally. When they do, you get the best possible efficiency out of your engine.

Keep the Tires Inflated Right

Under-inflated tires increase your rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and drink up more fuel. Check your tire pressure monthly.

Use the Recommended Motor Oil

Using the right oil means you’ll be getting optimal engine performance. High-quality, energy-conserving oils contain friction-reducing additives that improve fuel efficiency.

Accelerate and Brake Smoothly

Aggressive driving behaviors like rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel, so accelerate smoothly and anticipate stops whenever you can.

Observe Speed Limits

Fuel efficiency really drops off at anything over 50 miles per hour. Keeping to the speed limit does a lot to improve fuel economy because driving at moderate speeds reduces aerodynamic drag.

Minimize Idling

An idling engine gets zero miles per gallon: you’re literally burning your dollars away. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart when you’re ready to move. Avoid drive-throughs, keeping your engine on while you wait for the kids at school, and similar situations.

Reduce Vehicle Load

Extra weight in your vehicle requires more power to move: for every 100 extra pounds you carry, you lose 1% of your fuel economy, on average. That’s just the average: the smaller the vehicle the more profound effect weight has. Clear out heavy items from the trunk or cargo area that you don’t need.

Avoid Traffic Congestion

Whenever possible, travel during off-peak hours so you can avoid stop-and-go traffic. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and stay informed about traffic conditions whenever you can.

Use Cruise Control Wisely

On long stretches of open road, using cruise control can really improve your fuel efficiency. However, it’s less effective in hilly terrain, where the system may struggle to maintain speed, and the result is actually increased fuel consumption.

Park in the Shade

Keeping your car cooler from the start reduces the need for air conditioning and means you use less fuel getting cooled down.

Use Eco-Mode Features

Use your Subaru’s SI-Drive Intelligent Mode whenever you can to reduce fuel waste. Use the Eco Gauge to tell how much fuel you’re saving: as you do, you’ll start to learn the most efficient parts of your drive for using this mode.

To get the most out of your Subaru, come talk to us at Stevens Creek Subaru in San Jose, CA.

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