Restoring a car is a lot of hard work, but it's rewarding, too. Once you get your car back into pristine condition, the first thing you want to do is drive it around. If the gas mileage isn't all that great, though, you're likely to put off taking those road trips. The good news is that there are ways for you to improve your restored car's gas mileage that range from inexpensive to bigger commitments. And some only take a little bit of time.
Use Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can help a lot, and they don't involve changing anything physically on the car. You simply pour the additive into the tank when you add gas. Additives help the engine to run more efficiently and more smoothly, which then gives you better gas mileage. They can also help your engine to last longer. Fuel additives aren't expensive, either, so if you're saving up for more costly renovations or repairs, this is a cost effective way to get some decent results without spending a ton of money.
Update Some Parts
Lots of folks who restore cars are adamant that they want original parts and equipment. There's nothing wrong with that, but if you're planning to actually drive your car after it's restored, gas mileage is an important part of the enjoyment process. Changing out some of the parts in the car, such as the transmission, can make the car run more efficiently, which by default improves gas mileage. You can also lower the car's suspension, particularly if it's got some height, to make the car more aerodynamic. Replacing the carburetor with a fuel injection system is another change to consider.
Do the Regular Maintenance
This one is probably a no brainer, but you will get much better mileage if you keep up with the regular maintenance on the car. This means oil changes, of course, but it means all the other little maintenance tasks, too. Keep up with changing the spark plugs and all of the different filters, particularly the fuel filter. Keep your tires at the proper inflation rate and keep them rotated regularly. Although it sounds like a lot of work, all of those different maintenance tasks work together to keep the car functioning at its peak.
If you're looking for help with your auto restoration, contact an expert like Carriage House Automotive Restorations today. They can help you to find just the right parts and pieces to restore your car.
Share1 October 2015
Understanding more about the type of car that you have can help you understand the best ways to maintain it, and how to tell if there’s trouble brewing under the hood before you end up stranded. That’s why, when I found a car make that I liked, I kept going back to it every time I bought a new car. It’s also why I use a mechanic that specializes in repairing and maintaining cars made by my specific manufacturer type. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about what makes this particular car work, and what kind of quirks come with this type of vehicle. I started this blog to share some of that information and help other car owners learn to effectively maintain their automobiles and recognize the potential signs of trouble.
