How ECON Mode and Tire Pressure Can Save You Money in Greenville, NC
After the holidays, every dollar counts—especially at the gas pump. If you’re like most drivers in Greenville, NC, you’re probably looking for easy ways to stretch your fuel budget. Paying attention to ECON Mode and tire pressure can help you save more than you might expect, whether you’re commuting to ECU or heading to the Outer Banks for a weekend trip.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a hybrid or electric vehicle to save. Honda’s ECON Mode and proper tire pressure are two often-overlooked tools that can reduce fuel consumption, improve gas mileage, and extend the life of your tires.
The experts at Barbour Hendrick Honda explain how ECON Mode works, why tire pressure matters more in colder months, and how combining these simple strategies can improve safety, fuel efficiency, and long-term savings—without changing how you drive.
What Is ECON Mode and How Does It Improve Fuel Economy?
Every Honda at Barbour Hendrick Honda is engineered with fuel efficiency in mind. Many models come with a built-in ECON Mode, a feature that helps optimize your vehicle’s performance to use less fuel in day-to-day driving.
Here’s how ECON Mode works:
- Throttle Response: ECON Mode smooths out aggressive acceleration, limiting the amount of fuel your engine uses during start and stop traffic or city driving.
- Transmission Shifting: It adjusts shift points for smoother transitions, helping reduce overall fuel use.
- A/C Power: Climate control systems also scale back slightly to draw less energy from the engine.
- Cruise Control Optimization: On long road trips, ECON Mode makes minor adjustments to boost fuel economy without affecting comfort.
In short, ECON Mode supports efficient driving habits and makes small changes that, when combined, can lead to big savings at the pump.
Why Tire Pressure Plays a Bigger Role Than You Think
If your tires aren’t properly inflated, you’re throwing money away – literally. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder. That extra strain lowers your gas mileage and causes your tires to wear unevenly.
Cold Weather & Tire Pressure
In winter, tire pressure drops naturally, about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. That means even if your tires were properly inflated in the fall, they could be running on low tire pressure today. This impacts:
- Traction and Fuel Efficiency
- Tire Life and Safety
- Overall Vehicle Performance
Honda vehicles are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when pressure is outside the optimal range. But for best results, use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check all four tires (plus your spare) monthly.
The Connection Between Tire Pressure and Fuel Consumption
Let’s break down why proper tire inflation is essential for both safety and efficiency:
- Better traction and fuel efficiency: Properly inflated tires roll more easily and give your car better grip on the road.
- Longer tire life: Avoiding uneven tire wear means you won’t be replacing tires prematurely.
- Improved engine performance: Less rolling resistance means less stress on your engine, which leads to better fuel usage.
A tire that’s just 5 PSI underinflated can lower your fuel economy by up to 10%. This number adds up quickly on daily commutes.
Maximize Savings with These ECON Mode and Tire Pressure Tips
You don’t have to be a car expert to take control of your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your tire maintenance and Honda ECON Mode:
- Turn on ECON Mode for everyday driving, especially around town and on long commutes.
- Check tire pressure once a month, especially during cold snaps.
- Use the correct fuel type recommended by Honda for optimal engine performance.
- Invest in a quality tire pump and pressure gauge so you can adjust pressure from home.
- Schedule regular tire maintenance, including rotations, alignments, and inspections.
You might also like: Why Take Your Honda to a Honda Service Center
Visit Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, NC
Ready to make every mile count? The team at Barbour Hendrick Honda is here to help. Whether you need a tire check, a fuel-efficiency consultation, or a Honda vehicle with ECON mode, we’ve got you covered.
Stop by our Greenville location today or schedule your tire pressure inspection and let our service team help you drive smarter, for less.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.