Maximizing VW fuel efficiency is essential for saving money on gas and reducing your carbon footprint. Having your car serviced regularly by a Volkswagen dealer is one way to achieve the best MPG possible. There are numerous other tips and tricks you can employ.
Utilize VW Technologies
Many features and technologies in Volkswagens benefit fuel economy, such as TSI engines, Active Cylinder Management (ACT), start/stop technology, a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), the Eco driving mode, regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Among driver assistance technologies, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) keeps your VW moving economically at a consistent speed.
Watch Your Speed
Although it varies between vehicles, the optimum speed for achieving the best fuel economy is usually around 50 mph. Of course, this speed is too slow on most highways, but there are other strategies you can use on “faster” roads (e.g., use of cruise control). Staying under the speed limit is legally wise and saves money.
Calm Your Acceleration
Rapid acceleration from every stop light or intersection adversely affects fuel economy. You end up paying more for the small gains you make in urban settings. Other frenetic behaviors like harsh braking also waste gas, as they’re part of a manic driving pattern that increases engine load. Aiming for smooth speed transitions uses less fuel and keeps passengers comfortable.
Stop Idling
When you’re parked or stuck in stationary traffic for longer than a minute, turn your engine off if you don’t have start-stop technology. Absent the latter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends limiting engine starts to roughly ten a day to avoid excessive starter wear.
Reduce Vehicle Weight and Drag
Carrying unnecessary weight in your VW negatively impacts fuel economy. Extra weight increases the energy needed to accelerate and maintain speed. Items fixed to a roof rack cause significant drag, too, so other solutions might be preferable over long distances. Keeping windows closed also helps.
Let Your Volkswagen Dealer Service the AC System
Although air conditioning is always detrimental to fuel efficiency, you can limit its negative effect by keeping it in good working order. Your VW dealer can safely maintain the AC system and recharge it when necessary.
Replace the Air Filter Regularly
The engine air filter directly affects the amount of air entering the engine for combustion. If it’s clogged, the ECU of a modern VW senses the lower airflow and adjusts the fuel delivery accordingly, causing an often appreciable loss of power and a likely loss of efficiency in a bid to protect the engine.
Contact Sisbarro Autoworld Volkswagen in Las Cruces, NM to schedule a car service for your VW and optimize its efficiency.
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