6 Ways to Help Your Conversion Van Be Fuel Efficient

Vans aren’t known for getting the best fuel efficiency, but you can easily change this. By taking care of your vehicle and driving carefully, it is possible to make your van more efficient. Of course, you will want to choose an efficient model over those that consume more fuel, but following these steps can boost how far you go on each tank of gas.

Don’t Drive Aggressively

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to help your Sherry Van be more fuel efficient is to pay attention to your driving habits and avoid aggressive driving. In fact, starting suddenly and hard braking may lead to consuming up to 40 percent more fuel. Instead, accelerate smoothly and slowly before getting into your high gear quickly.

Keep a Steady Speed

Cruise control can be your best friend when it comes to fuel economy. Driving at a steady speed is one of the top methods of going further on each tank of gas, and cruise control lets you do this with minimal effort. For the best results, avoid speeding, as well, as higher speeds will increase fuel consumption. In fact, driving 75 mph instead of 55 mph may use up to 20 percent more fuel. Even the difference between 55 and 65 mph can be 10 percent to 15 percent.

Check Tire Inflation

Your tires have a larger impact on your fuel efficiency than most people realize, so take the time to care for them. Underinflated tires may increase fuel consumption by 6 percent. To make matters more complicated, certain types of tires may look properly inflated but be underinflated. Avoid this problem by checking your tire pressure at least once every month, particularly during the winter, as cold temperatures can lead to a drop in psi.

Maintain Your Van

Even if you do all of the above, you won’t get great fuel economy if your conversion van isn’t well-maintained. The engine needs to be tuned regularly, and you should have other components, like the tires, brakes, and air filters, checked as well. Poor engine tuning can increase fuel consumption by 50 percent and lead to 50 percent more emissions. The good news is that keeping up with regular maintenance boosts fuel economy and lets your van last longer, saving you money over time.

Reduce the Weight

Vans have a great deal of space, making it tempting to leave items inside. While you want to keep things like a spare tire and emergency supplies inside, dropping the weight of your van can do wonders for your fuel economy. Just getting rid of 100 pounds will take you 2 percent further on each gallon. To do this, remember to take items that you don’t need out of your van; stop leaving your golf clubs, bowling balls, or even football gear in the cargo area when you don’t need them.

Avoid Idling

Whenever possible, make an effort to avoid idling, and you will notice that you go further on every tank of gas. That is because when you idle, your van uses fuel without taking you anywhere. The general rule of thumb is that if you will be stationary for 30 seconds or more, you should turn off your engine. Because idling can hurt fuel economy, it is also a good idea to avoid traffic jams whenever possible; that can also help prevent frustration.