Driving through Ontario, CA, whether cruising along the Euclid Avenue corridor or heading to the Ontario Mills, you want your Infiniti to perform flawlessly without breaking the bank on fuel. Infiniti vehicles are engineered for a luxurious driving experience, but keeping that experience efficient requires mindful driving habits and regular maintenance. From adjusting how you accelerate on the bustling streets of Ontario to optimizing your tire pressure for highway stretches on I-10, small changes can make a big difference. Understanding your Infiniti’s fuel-saving features and using them effectively can also enhance performance without sacrificing luxury. By taking a proactive approach, you not only reduce fuel consumption but also maintain the long-term health of your vehicle.
Fuel Efficiency Tips for Infiniti Owners: Saving Without Sacrificing Performance
Fuel efficiency is not just about saving money at the pump—it’s about maximizing your Infiniti’s performance and ensuring a sustainable approach to driving. Infiniti vehicles are designed to deliver luxury, power, and advanced technology, but even the most efficient engines can benefit from thoughtful driving habits and maintenance practices. Below, we’ll dive into comprehensive tips for Infiniti owners who want to enhance their fuel economy without compromising the driving experience.
Maintain Your Infiniti for Peak Efficiency
Routine maintenance is at the heart of keeping your Infiniti running efficiently. An engine that’s well-tuned and free of mechanical issues will burn fuel more cleanly and effectively, ensuring every drop counts.
Start with the basics: oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks. Clean oil reduces friction in the engine, allowing components to move smoothly and efficiently. Infiniti’s advanced engines, especially those with turbocharged or variable compression technology, thrive when serviced with the manufacturer’s recommended oil type and viscosity. Similarly, replacing a clogged air filter ensures optimal airflow into the engine, improving the air-to-fuel ratio for combustion.
Tires play a crucial role in fuel efficiency as well. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended PSI levels and inspect them regularly for signs of uneven wear. This small effort can lead to significant fuel savings over time.
Finally, schedule routine diagnostics to ensure all systems are functioning properly. Infiniti’s modern models, such as the QX50 or QX60, feature advanced onboard diagnostics that can alert you to potential issues. Pay attention to these warnings and address problems promptly. A healthy car is an efficient car.
Drive Smarter: Adjust Your Habits and Lighten the Load
Driving habits have a profound impact on fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving—rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed cruising—can dramatically reduce MPG. Infiniti vehicles are engineered to provide smooth, responsive performance, so there’s no need to push them too hard.
Start by moderating your acceleration. Gradual increases in speed use less fuel compared to flooring the pedal. Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive systems distribute power efficiently, so let the technology do its job while you focus on maintaining steady throttle input. When cruising on highways like I-15 or SR-60 around Ontario, consider using cruise control. This feature helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing the need for frequent acceleration and braking. Infiniti’s ProPILOT Assist takes this concept further by managing your speed relative to traffic flow, ensuring optimal fuel economy even in stop-and-go conditions.
Another essential tip is to avoid idling for extended periods. Modern Infiniti engines are highly efficient, but idling burns fuel unnecessarily. If you’re waiting for a friend or stuck at a long light, consider turning off the engine. For models equipped with Auto Start/Stop technology, take advantage of it to minimize idle time.
Carrying excess weight significantly impacts fuel efficiency. Every additional 100 pounds can reduce MPG by up to 2%, especially in smaller vehicles like the Q50. Take a moment to clear out unnecessary items from your trunk and cabin.
If you frequently use roof racks or cargo carriers, remove them when not in use. These accessories increase aerodynamic drag, making your Infiniti less fuel-efficient. Models like the QX60 are already designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, so don’t let external factors undermine their performance. Plan your trips strategically to reduce the number of short drives. A cold engine consumes more fuel than a warm one, so combining errands into a single trip can save gas and time. This approach is especially useful in urban areas like Ontario, where traffic can add to fuel consumption during multiple short trips.
Driving Habits That Maximize Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is not just about the vehicle you drive; it’s also about how you drive it. Even in a high-performance luxury vehicle like an Infiniti, adopting smart driving habits can significantly reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing the thrill and comfort of your ride. Here are detailed insights into driving habits that can help you maximize your fuel efficiency.
Maintain a Consistent Speed and Avoid Excessive Idling
Maintaining a steady speed is another crucial habit for optimizing fuel economy. Constantly fluctuating your speed—especially on highways—forces the engine to work harder, using more fuel in the process.
Using cruise control on Infiniti models equipped with this feature can help you maintain consistent speeds during long highway drives. ProPILOT Assist, available on models like the QX50 and QX60, takes this a step further by monitoring traffic and automatically adjusting your speed to ensure smooth, fuel-efficient driving. When driving through Ontario’s highways like I-10 or SR-60, set your speed at a moderate level to avoid frequent accelerations and decelerations caused by traffic flow. Keeping your speed below 65 mph is ideal, as fuel efficiency typically decreases significantly at higher speeds.
While Infiniti vehicles are equipped with advanced engines designed for efficiency, idling still wastes fuel. Whether you’re waiting in a parking lot or stuck in traffic, turning off the engine during prolonged stops can save a considerable amount of gas. For models equipped with Auto Start/Stop technology, take full advantage of this feature. It automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and seamlessly restarts it when you release the brake pedal, reducing fuel consumption without any inconvenience.
Avoid warming up the engine for extended periods during colder months. Modern Infiniti engines warm up faster when driven, so start your journey soon after ignition to minimize idle time.
Accelerate Downhill, Coast Uphill
When driving on hilly terrain, using gravity to your advantage can help conserve fuel. Accelerate gently as you go downhill and use the momentum to coast uphill, rather than pressing hard on the gas pedal.
Infiniti’s advanced engineering, such as intelligent transmission systems and smooth power delivery, makes it easier to implement this technique without compromising performance. For models with hill assist features, these systems can also help prevent unnecessary fuel loss during hill starts.
Monitor and Adjust Tire Pressure
While not strictly a driving habit, regularly checking your tire pressure contributes to more efficient driving. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. By maintaining the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure, you can ensure a smoother ride and better fuel economy. During daily drives around Ontario or longer trips, uneven tire pressure can become a silent fuel drain. Check your tires weekly and adjust as needed, particularly when transitioning between seasons when air temperature changes can affect pressure levels.
Leverage Infiniti’s Advanced Technology
One of Infiniti’s strengths is its integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance both performance and efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these features can help you get the most out of your vehicle while minimizing fuel usage.
Drive Mode Select, available in many Infiniti models, lets you customize your driving experience. Selecting “Eco Mode” optimizes throttle response and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. For daily commutes or relaxed drives through Ontario, this mode is an excellent way to save fuel without sacrificing comfort.
For hybrid or mild-hybrid Infiniti models, regenerative braking is another fuel-saving technology. This system recaptures energy typically lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, reducing the load on the engine. Taking advantage of this feature not only improves MPG but also contributes to smoother braking performance.
Infiniti’s Intelligent Navigation systems can also help you save fuel. These systems provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternative routes to avoid congestion, reducing idle time and unnecessary fuel consumption. Paired with features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can plan efficient trips while staying connected.
Keep an Eye on Fuel Quality
Using the right fuel for your Infiniti is essential for maintaining performance and efficiency. Infiniti engines are finely tuned and often require premium fuel to operate at their best. While it may be tempting to save a few cents per gallon by opting for regular unleaded, this can lead to reduced performance and lower MPG in the long run.
Pay attention to where you refuel as well. Choose reputable gas stations that adhere to industry standards for fuel quality. Lower-quality gasoline can contain impurities that may clog fuel injectors or reduce engine efficiency over time. Infiniti’s advanced fuel injection systems are designed to maximize combustion, so don’t let subpar fuel compromise this advantage.
Regular Software Updates and Seasonal Adjustments
Many Infiniti models feature software-driven systems that control fuel injection, transmission shifts, and hybrid energy management. Keeping your vehicle’s software up to date ensures you’re benefiting from the latest improvements in efficiency and performance. Check with your local Infiniti dealership for software updates or service bulletins. These updates are often quick and can enhance your vehicle’s overall functionality, including fuel efficiency.
Weather can impact fuel efficiency, particularly in regions like Ontario, CA, where temperatures fluctuate seasonally. During the summer, excessive use of air conditioning can strain the engine and reduce MPG. Consider setting your climate control to a moderate temperature and using the “Auto” mode for efficient operation. In colder months, engines take longer to warm up, leading to increased fuel consumption during short trips. Allow your vehicle to idle only long enough to defrost windows before driving off. Infiniti’s heated seats and steering wheel can provide comfort without relying solely on the cabin heater, further conserving fuel.
By adopting these strategies and leveraging Infiniti’s advanced technologies, you can enjoy the perfect blend of performance and efficiency on every drive. Whether you’re navigating Ontario’s bustling streets or embarking on a road trip, these tips will help you make the most of your Infiniti’s capabilities while keeping fuel costs in check.
Optimizing Your Infiniti for Fuel Efficiency in Ontario, CA
Infiniti owners in Ontario know that balancing efficiency and performance isn’t just about saving on gas—it’s about enjoying the drive. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park or running errands in downtown Ontario, these fuel-saving tips can help you make the most of every trip. Consistent maintenance and a few thoughtful adjustments in how you drive ensure your Infiniti remains a joy to operate while being kind to your wallet. Plus, by practicing fuel-efficient habits, you’re contributing to a cleaner Ontario community. So, whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend explorer, it’s time to optimize your Infiniti for efficiency and make every mile memorable.
At Infiniti of Ontario, we know that fuel efficiency matters to our community. Simple changes, like using cruise control on open stretches of I-15 or avoiding rapid acceleration during Ontario’s busy evening commutes, can significantly reduce fuel costs. Keeping your Infiniti regularly serviced ensures top performance and economy, so don’t forget to Schedule a Service with our expert technicians.
For those considering upgrading to a newer, more fuel-efficient Infiniti model, explore our New Inventory and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Our vehicles are engineered with advanced efficiency technologies to give you the perfect balance of power and savings. Thinking of trading in your current ride? Check out our Pre-owned inventory and find a model that suits your lifestyle.
Fuel savings are even sweeter when paired with our Special Offers, designed to help you save more while driving in luxury. Ready to make a change? Get pre-approved through our Financing application for a seamless buying experience. Once you’ve made your choice, Schedule a test drive and feel the efficiency and performance firsthand. Whether you’re headed to Ontario Mills or taking a weekend drive to Mt. Baldy, let us help you drive smarter and save more.
