4 Tips to Keep Your SUV Fuel Efficient

With fuel costs rising and the distance between work, home, and your kid’s hockey practice never dwindling, how efficiently your SUV runs matters more than ever. The good news is that some of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy don’t require buying a new vehicle. They require paying attention to what you already have. Here are four practical tips from the team at Terra Nova Buick GMC in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

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1. Keep Your Engine Clean

As you drive, pollutants enter the engine compartment and cause buildup on fuel injectors and combustion chambers. Over time, that buildup forces the engine to work harder than it needs to, burning more fuel in the process. It’s one of those gradual changes that’s easy to miss because it happens slowly, but the cumulative effect on fuel economy is real.

A fuel system cleaner service removes these contaminants and restores cleaner combustion. For vehicles that spend a lot of time on longer drives, a combustion and EFI system cleaner service goes a step further by addressing buildup across the full injection system.

At Terra Nova Buick GMC, ask one of our service advisors about it at your next maintenance appointment.

2. Adjust the Way You Drive

A few consistent changes behind the wheel can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 15–25%, according to Natural Resources Canada.

• Accelerate gently: The harder you press the accelerator, the more fuel the engine burns. In city driving, roughly half of your total fuel consumption goes toward acceleration. Easing onto the pedal gradually makes a measurable difference over the course of a commute.
• Anticipate traffic: Looking further ahead and coasting to slow down rather than braking hard reduces the need to re-accelerate from near-zero speed, which is where fuel consumption spikes. The earlier you lift off the accelerator, the more momentum you preserve.
• Avoid unnecessary idling: If you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds, whether waiting to pick someone up or sitting in a long drive-through, turning the engine off saves more fuel than letting it idle. A typical engine burns through a meaningful amount of fuel for every 10 minutes it sits running at rest.
• Watch your highway speed: Fuel economy drops noticeably above 80 km/h as aerodynamic drag increases with speed. A vehicle travelling at 120 km/h uses roughly 20% more fuel than the same vehicle at 100 km/h, for a time savings of only a couple of minutes on most trips. Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a steady, efficient pace.

3. Maintain Your Battery and Cooling System

Battery health matters more than most drivers realize. A weak or failing battery puts extra strain on the alternator, which has to work harder to keep the battery charged. That additional load on the engine translates directly into increased fuel consumption. Having your battery tested before a long trip, or as part of your regular service, ensures it’s not quietly costing you at the pump.

The cooling system regulates engine, battery, and cabin temperature, and when it’s not functioning optimally, the engine burns excess fuel to compensate. Keeping cooling system fluids topped up and in good condition and addressing any leaks or performance issues promptly helps the engine run at its most efficient operating temperature.

4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

This one is simple, inexpensive, and routinely overlooked. Tires that are underinflated have more rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving at a steady speed. Tires underinflated by just 56 kPa (8 psi) can increase fuel consumption by up to 4% and shorten tire life by more than 15,000 km.

Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and always before a longer drive. The correct pressure for your specific vehicle is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. Use that number, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall, which is the tire’s limit rather than the optimal operating pressure. Checking when tires are cold (before driving) gives the most accurate reading.

Book a Service Appointment at Terra Nova Buick GMC

Keeping your vehicle running efficiently starts with keeping it well-maintained. If your GMC or Buick is due for a service appointment, our team at Terra Nova Buick GMC in St. John’s is here to help. From battery checks to fluid top-ups and tire inspections, we’ll make sure everything is in order. Book your appointment online or give us a call at 1-(800)-463-4130 today!