Maximizing Fuel Efficiency: Tips from Chicoine & Sons Automotive

With fuel prices fluctuating and environmental concerns on the rise, finding ways to maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency has become more important than ever. At Chicoine & Sons Automotive in Goffstown, NH, we understand how crucial it is for drivers to make the most out of every gallon. That's why we’re sharing expert tips on how you can improve fuel economy, save money, and reduce your environmental footprint—all while maintaining optimal vehicle performance.

1. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is one of the most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency. A well-maintained vehicle runs more smoothly and consumes less fuel, saving you money at the pump and reducing wear and tear on your car.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

• Oil Changes: Changing your oil regularly ensures your engine runs smoothly, reducing friction that can negatively impact fuel economy.
• Air Filter Replacement: A clogged air filter makes your engine work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. Replacing it ensures proper airflow to the engine, improving performance.
• Spark Plug Inspection: Worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires, decreasing fuel efficiency. Replacing them at the recommended intervals is a simple way to maintain optimal fuel usage.

At Chicoine & Sons Automotive, we provide comprehensive maintenance services that help keep your vehicle in top condition, ensuring you're always driving with maximum fuel efficiency.

2. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder to move the vehicle. This results in decreased fuel economy. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

How to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure:

• Check Monthly: Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes, so it's important to check and adjust monthly.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always inflate tires to the recommended levels specified in your vehicle’s manual.
• Inspect for Wear: Uneven tire wear can also reduce fuel efficiency. At Chicoine & Sons Automotive, we offer tire rotation and alignment services to ensure even wear and proper inflation, extending tire life and improving fuel economy.

3. Lighten Your Load

Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency. For every extra 100 pounds, your fuel economy can decrease by up to 1%.

Tips to Reduce Vehicle Weight:

• Remove Excess Cargo: Take out items you don’t need, such as heavy tools, sports equipment, or seasonal items.
• Ditch the Roof Rack: If you're not using your roof rack, consider removing it. Roof racks add wind resistance and extra weight, reducing fuel efficiency.

By keeping your vehicle light and free of excess baggage, you can increase your miles per gallon and save money over time.

4. Drive Smarter

Your driving habits play a major role in fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can lower your fuel economy by up to 30% on highways and 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

How to Drive for Better Fuel Economy:

• Accelerate Gradually: Smooth, steady acceleration uses less fuel than rapid acceleration.
• Maintain a Steady Speed: Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency.
• Avoid Idling: Modern engines don’t need to idle to warm up. Turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than a minute.

At Chicoine & Sons Automotive, we recommend adopting these driving habits to not only save on fuel but also reduce stress on your vehicle, extending its lifespan.

5. Use the Right Fuel

Using the correct fuel for your vehicle can make a big difference in fuel efficiency. Consult your owner’s manual to determine whether your car requires regular, mid-grade, or premium fuel. Using a lower-octane fuel than recommended can cause knocking and decreased performance, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.

Tips for Fuel Selection:

• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Stick to the fuel grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
• Consider Top Tier Gas: Some gas stations offer "Top Tier" gasoline, which contains additional detergents that can help keep your engine clean and improve fuel efficiency.

6. Maintain a Clean Engine

Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, and a clean engine runs more efficiently. Over time, carbon deposits and dirt can accumulate, making your engine work harder and reducing fuel efficiency.

How to Keep Your Engine Clean:

• Fuel System Cleaning: At Chicoine & Sons Automotive, we offer professional fuel system cleaning services that remove carbon buildup and restore optimal engine performance.
• Regular Oil Changes: Fresh oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and improving efficiency.

7. Stay Aerodynamic

Wind resistance can greatly affect your fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Simple steps like keeping windows rolled up and removing roof racks when not in use can reduce drag and improve efficiency.

Aerodynamic Tips:

• Keep Windows Closed: Driving with your windows down creates drag, which decreases fuel efficiency at high speeds.
• Use Air Conditioning Wisely: While using air conditioning does consume fuel, it’s generally more efficient than driving with the windows down on the highway.

8. Stay on Top of Engine Diagnostics

A well-tuned engine is key to maximizing fuel efficiency. If your vehicle's check engine light is on, it could be an indication of an issue that’s affecting your fuel economy, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%.

Engine Diagnostic Services:

• Oxygen Sensor Replacement: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause your engine to burn too much fuel. At Chicoine & Sons Automotive, we can diagnose and replace faulty sensors to restore optimal fuel performance.
• Fuel Injector Cleaning: Dirty fuel injectors can lead to poor fuel distribution, reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures proper fuel flow and combustion.



Maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency not only saves you money but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. At Chicoine & Sons Automotive in Goffstown, NH, we are committed to helping you get the most out of every mile. From regular maintenance and tire care to engine diagnostics and smart driving habits, we offer a range of services designed to keep your vehicle running efficiently.

By following these tips and trusting the experts at Chicoine & Sons Automotive, you can improve your fuel economy, extend the life of your vehicle, and enjoy a smoother, more cost-effective driving experience. Ready to optimize your car’s performance? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start saving at the pump!