The 2017 Nissan Armada: Redesigned and Full of Improvements

For 2017, Nissan has awarded its Armada with a full redesign. This large, three-row SUV has always had the ability to tow and venture off the beaten path. But now it boasts more comfort and upscale appeal. Its interior is now of higher quality, power is increased with a stronger V8 engine, and the exterior has even been enhanced with more chiseled styling. But for many SUVs, like the 2017 Nissan Armada, fuel efficiency can usually use a boost. While there's nothing you can really do to change the fuel economy provided by the Armada's powertrain, etc., there are many things you can do yourself to achieve better fuel economy. To learn how, check out the tips below. Drive the Speed Limit For many, getting behind the wheel of a car is a contest in speed and getting from one destination to the next as fast as possible. But with a mentality like this, fuel economy is sure to take a negative hit. For every five miles you drive over 55 mph, fuel economy drops by around 5 mpg. The best way to achieve better fuel economy is by having patience and driving the speed limit. One reason for this is aerodynamic drag. The faster a car goes, the stronger the aerodynamic drag (or wind resistance). This leads to more fuel burned because your SUV uses more power to move itself through the air. Plus, not only will following the speed limit help you save gas, it will also eliminate the chance of getting a speeding ticket, or worse, having an accident. Eliminate Unnecessary Drag As already mentioned, aerodynamic drag lowers fuel economy. While speeding increases drag, so does carrying things on the roof of your vehicle – bike racks, luggage, and so on. Even toting an empty bike rack can still cause mpg's to drop. To avoid an unnecessary drop in gas, remove any items from the outside of your vehicle that may produce an increase in aerodynamic drag. Drive Smoothly Have you ever been driving along when you see a vehicle performing risky maneuvers, like speeding, tailgating and frantic weaving between other cars. Watching a driver perform such dangerous moves can be quite nerve-wracking. But did you know that these types of driving maneuvers also cause fuel economy to drop? Frequent bursts of hard acceleration and braking cause fuel economy to drop by two to three mpg. To avoid this, the most fuel-efficient way to drive is to maintain a steady pace – especially at highway speeds. Smooth acceleration, turns and braking will also extend the life of your car's engine, transmission, brakes and tires – another win in savings. Drive With A Warm Engine Engines run most efficiently when warm, and an efficiently-running engine will provide you with better fuel economy. One way that many drivers lose fuel is by letting their vehicle's engine idle in order to warm it up in cold weather. Unfortunately, this is not a very effective method. Not only does an idling engine waste fuel just sitting there, but it also doesn't make an engine warm up any faster – driving it does. Another thing to know about cold engines is that they produce more pollution and also wear out more quickly. To save fuel, avoid idling and try to combine errands so your engine won't have to endure cold starts. Keep Tires Inflated Tires are a vital part of your car, and when they are not kept properly inflated, many problems can occur. Your car's driving performance suffers, you put yourself at risk of suffering from a flat or blowout, and fuel economy also drops. Tires that do not have enough air have too much of their surface touching the ground. This causes your car's engine to work harder to make your tires roll. The extra power exerted by your car's engine leads to more fuel being burned. For more information on the 2017 Nissan Armada, plus other fuel-saving tips, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.