How to Improve Your Mazda's Fuel Efficiency This Winter
February 14 2023,
With winter weather in full swing and the cold temperatures here to stay, it’s important to make sure your Mazda is running as efficiently as possible. Whether you’re driving all around town or heading out on a long road trip, here are a few tips on how to improve your car’s fuel efficiency during the winter months.
Tire Pressure Maintenance
It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly throughout the winter. Cold weather affects tire pressure more than other times of the year; in fact, when temperatures drop below freezing, tire pressure usually decreases by 1 PSI for every 2 degrees Celsius. As a result, underinflated tires require more fuel to keep them moving, which leads to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear on your car’s engine over time. Therefore, if you haven't already done so, make sure that you check your tire pressure and adjust accordingly as needed.
Regular Oil Changes
Oil changes are essential for any car—especially those driving in cold climates like Canadian winters—because dirty oil cannot correctly lubricate engine parts and leads to reduced fuel economy. Therefore, we recommend getting an oil change according to Mazda's maintenance timeframe, depending on what type of oil you use (conventional vs synthetic). Synthetic oils generally last longer but are more expensive; however, they are better at withstanding extreme temperatures, which could be beneficial in the wintertime.
Proper Driving Habits
No matter how well-maintained your Mazda is or how good its gas mileage should be according to NRCan ratings, driving habits play a massive role in its overall efficiency. If you have a habit of accelerating quickly or braking hard each time you drive, then you will consume much more fuel than someone who drives steadily and consciously with their gas pedal and brake pedal while being mindful of traffic signals and speed limits. Additionally, try avoiding idling whenever possible, as this is another major waste of fuel that could easily be avoided with proper driving habits.
As we enter into the colder months ahead, it's essential to think about ways that we can make sure our vehicles remain efficient so that we don't have any issues while travelling around town or beyond our city limits. Understanding how to improve your Mazda’s fuel efficiency is key for keeping costs down, especially during these seasons when expenses tend to rise anyway due to holiday shopping trips or extra heating costs associated with colder temperatures outside. By following these simple tips above, such as checking tire pressure regularly, getting regular oil changes, and practicing proper driving habits, you should feel confident knowing that your car will maintain its optimal performance throughout the coming months!
