How To Maintain A Low Mazda Fuel Consumption

Fuel prices seem to be doing their own thing lately-usually in the wrong direction. If you drive a Mazda, you're already ahead of the curve when it comes to efficiency. These cars are built with fuel economy in mind, thanks to Mazda's innovative SKYACTIV® Technology. Still, how you drive and care for your vehicle plays a big role in how far each tank takes you.

Whether you're driving a zippy Mazda3, a family-ready CX-5, or a smooth Mazda6, small changes in your habits and maintenance routine can mean big savings. Before you settle for lower miles per gallon, check out these fuel-saving tips that Mazda drivers often overlook. And if your vehicle isn't performing the way it used to, it might be time to consult the professionals at Riley Mazda to get things tuned up.

1. Watch Your Driving Habits

Let's start with the most human part of the equation: you. Fuel consumption isn't just about engines and tires-it's also about how you behave behind the wheel.

• Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
  It feels good to punch the gas, especially in a responsive Mazda, but every time you do, you're burning more fuel. Smooth, steady acceleration and deceleration keep fuel use balanced.
• Use cruise control on the highway.
  It's not just for comfort. Cruise control helps your car maintain a consistent speed, which is far more efficient than constantly speeding up and slowing down.
• Avoid idling.
  If you're waiting in your car for more than 30 seconds, turn it off. Idling wastes fuel-modern Mazdas restart quickly and efficiently.
• Lighten your load.
  Carrying around unnecessary stuff in your trunk? More weight means more work for your engine, which means more fuel.

2. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Your tires affect more than just your ride comfort. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder. That leads directly to higher fuel consumption.

Mazda recommends checking your tire pressure at least once a month, and always before long road trips. The ideal pressure can be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door.

Many newer Mazda models have Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), but these only alert you when the pressure is very low. A manual check with a pressure gauge gives you more accurate, real-time information.

3. Keep Up with Oil Changes and Routine Maintenance

Fuel efficiency isn't just about how you drive-it's also about the condition of your engine. Dirty oil, clogged air filters, and worn spark plugs all affect performance and economy.

• Use the right oil.
  Mazda typically recommends synthetic oil, which flows better and protects your engine more effectively. Be sure to use the exact oil grade your vehicle calls for.
• Replace air filters when needed.
  A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, making it work harder. Mazda recommends checking the filter at every oil change.
• Spark plugs and fuel injectors matter.
  Worn spark plugs or dirty injectors can reduce combustion efficiency, directly impacting your fuel mileage.

You don't have to be a gearhead to stay on top of these things. Scheduling regular checkups with Riley Mazda can help keep your vehicle running like it just left the factory.

4. Use the Right Fuel and Don't Top Off

Mazda designs its engines for regular unleaded gasoline unless otherwise stated in the manual. Using premium fuel in a car that doesn't need it won't improve mileage or performance-in fact, it's just a waste of money.

Also, avoid topping off your tank after the pump clicks off. That extra splash can mess with your evaporative emissions system and potentially reduce fuel economy over time.

5. Mind the Air Conditioner and Windows

Running your A/C on full blast constantly can take a toll on fuel consumption, especially during city driving. Use it wisely-opt for the recirculate setting, and don't cool the car more than necessary.

At highway speeds, it's more efficient to use the A/C than to drive with windows open, which increases drag. In the city, rolling the windows down instead of using the A/C can actually save fuel.

6. Plan Your Trips and Combine Errands

Cold starts use more fuel. If you can bundle your errands into one longer trip rather than several short ones, your engine stays warm and efficient for longer. Using navigation to avoid traffic or construction can also help minimize unnecessary idling and stop-and-go driving.

If your Mazda is starting to feel like it's guzzling more gas than usual, don't ignore the signs. A visit to Riley Mazda could reveal a simple fix-like a needed software update or a dirty sensor-that gets you back to optimal fuel efficiency fast.