for Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes,
Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen Repair
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for Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes,
Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen Repair
Volkswagen represents some of the best German engineering and design. Over the decades, VW has produced some of the most iconic examples of motoring, such as the Beetle and the Camper Van. Designed with style in mind, but also with a strong emphasis on functionality, Volkswagens are known to be both efficient and fuel economic.
However, even the most fuel economic car can become a fuel guzzler with poor maintenance standards and bad habits. In this article, we will learn some of the simple actions you can take to ensure your Volkswagen achieves as many miles per gallon as possible.
There is no such thing as a perfect driver. We all have our little foibles or bad habits. But over the years, these bad habits can manifest into behaviors that are harmful to our cars. These bad habits can ruin the mileage per gallon our vehicles can achieve.
Transporting heavier loads or loads that exceed what is recommended in your owner’s manual can rapidly decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency due to the strain it can put on your engine. Idling for long periods of time is also a fuel efficiency nightmare. So if you end up hitting traffic jams on your way to work via the express route, it might actually be more economical to take the long way around. Also, speeding or hitting the gas hard, particularly up steep hills, may get you where you want to go faster, but it will also have you hitting the pumps much sooner as well.
Saving money where you can is great. However, when it comes to your engine oil, it is much better to invest in quality oils and well known brands. Cheaper oil tends to be of a poorer quality and will usually lack the necessary conditioners and additives needed for peak engine performance. While cheap engine oil seems like a good deal at first, it usually will break down quickly and will require replacing more often than a premium oil, making it more costly long-term. Because your engine isn’t working at its best due to the cheaper oil, it is unlikely to be as fuel economic as it could be with good quality oil.
You should ideally check your oil regularly as part of your standard maintenance practices and should have your oil replaced every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on how frequently you drive your Volkswagen or as your owners manual or mechanic recommends.
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine. Without these working correctly, it is likely your car will misfire regularly and be a pain to start. With each attempt to start, more fuel is wasted, resulting in poor fuel economy.
If your MAF sensor fails, it is likely that your fuel consumption will sky rocket. This is because the MAF sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air that enters your engine. It relays this data to your car’s onboard computer. The computer uses this information in ensure the precise amount of fuel is added for optimal ignition. If the MAF sensor fails, your onboard computer will be left guessing as to how much fuel to add to your Volkswagens engine. Typically, the computer will err on the safe side and over compensate, resulting in a vehicle which now guzzles fuel.
Your A/C is powered by the serpentine belt, which is powered by your engine. The more accessories you use, (i.e. heated seating, heaters, and A/C), the harder this belt has to work and the more fuel the engine has to use to maintain it. Therefore, having your A/C at full blast will put a strain on your fuel economy. When possible, you could use your A/C at short internals, enough to cool down your car, instead of having it constantly running. Better still, in the spring and fall, roll down those windows and use nature’s A/C, as cold air against your skin feels great and doesn’t cost a dime.
If you are worried about your fuel consumption and want to talk to the best mechanics around, come by or call European Service Center. We service communities in and around Alpharetta, Chamblee, Cumming, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, or Atlanta, GA. Our skilled service technicians will be sure to get to the bottom of your fuel economy woes and get you back on the road safely and quickly.
