Ways to improve fuel economy, reveals Army auto expert

Former automotive maintenance chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army and commercial technician Chris Nelson weighs in on how vehicle owners can improve their vehicle's fuel efficiency as gas prices and inflation rates increase, according to a report by Fort Knox News. 

Nelson holds a degree in automotive technology and now currently manages the Fort Knox Automotive Crafts Shop in Kentucky. 

“Routine maintenance is the best thing you can do for your vehicle,” he said in the article. “Oil is the bloodline of the vehicle. The dirtier the oil, the slower it moves and the harder the engine has to work.”

Nelson also noted the following to help vehicle owners save in the long run: 

• Replace the air filters when needed and get frequent tuneups.
• Keep tires inflated to factory standards. 
• Take off easy from a stop as "stop-and-go driving is less gas efficient."
• Use cruise control when driving on the highway. 
• Don't use max A/C. It causes the engine to work harder, requiring more fuel. 
• Use the recirculation inside the car.  “That way you’re recycling the cool air that’s already in the car and not overworking it,” he said.