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5 Car Maintenance Tips May Help Reduce Gas Consumption

Better maintenance leads to better gas mileage. Many drivers don’t realize how important it is to maintain their vehicles. A well-maintained vehicle is safe, and less costly. If your vehicle is checked and serviced routinely, then there will be an increase in the vehicle’s fuel economy. By maintaining the tires, the engine, maintaining mechanical systems, the ignition system, and the brakes, your car will have a longer life, and better fuel efficiency. Vehicle owners’ should reference their Owner’s Manual for proper care of their vehicle.

Your vehicle’s tires should meet the recommended pressure. Rolling resistance could result if your vehicle’s tires are not at the correct pressure. Rolling resistance results in premature tread wear when your tires are under inflated, which increases fuel consumption. Check tire pressure once a month, and check tires for uneven wear, because this could be a sign of over inflation, under inflation, or improper wheel alignment. Misaligned tires will drag instead of rolling freely. This will increase fuel consumption; reduce tire life and cause problems with the vehicle’s handling. One simple test can be used to check if your wheels need to be aligned. Drive at an even speed; if the vehicle pulls to one side, then the wheels will have to be aligned. Tires should be routinely rotated also. Rotating your tires helps prolong the tires’ life and increases fuel economy.

Vehicle owners should have their engines tuned up regularly. Savings vary, but a well-tuned engine runs more efficiently. Vehicles manufactured after 1996 have an on board diagnostics system that monitors emissions related components, and alerts the driver to problems by triggering the “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light. This light helps detect problems before they become noticeable to the driver. If the light comes on, then drivers should consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Consumers should change the oil and air filter at recommended intervals to minimize engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, preventing metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction and carrying away excess heat. All of this promotes better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Severe problems could result if the engine’s oil isn’t changed. The oil recommended in the Owner’s Manual should be used. The lowest multi grade of oil should be used, because it improves fuel efficiency of the engine. The best oil for fuel economy is the oil with the “Energy Conserving” label.

The cooling system should be checked also. The cooling system keeps the engine at its optimal operating temperature. Systems outside of the cooling range, increases fuel consumption, and emissions and engine wear. The engine’s cooling system will only run properly, if it receives regular maintenance. This includes monitoring the coolant level in the overflow tank, regularly inspecting hoses for cracks or loose clamps and adjusting belts. Coolant degrades over time and because of this, antifreeze concentration should be tested every fall so that the engine will be protected for winter. A clogged air filter will decrease fuel efficiency also. The air filter helps protect the inside of the engine from impurities. Clogged air filters can decrease gas mileage by up to 10 percent.

Regular maintenance of a vehicle’s ignition system is important in maximizing fuel efficiency. The spark plugs in a gasoline engine ignite the air fuel mixture. If one or more of the plugs are worn or malfunctioning, then the engine will misfire and some fuel will remain unburned. Worn or damaged spark plug wires can also cause misfiring. A misfiring engine wastes fuel. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on engine checks and spark plug and ignition wire replacement, because problems with the ignition system are usually too subtle to see.

Checking brakes for wear will help increase fuel efficiency. Brakes that are squealing, grinding, pulling the vehicle to one side could be dragging, and should be checked. Dragging brakes can increase fuel consumption, because the vehicle must work harder to overcome the resistance. It’s important to have your brakes inspected, and the brake fluid checked and changed at the interval specified in the owners’ manual.

A poorly maintained vehicle can boost fuel consumption by 50 percent, and greenhouse gases by even more. The best way to keep your vehicle running clean is to follow the maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual. It’s not a good idea to guess at maintenance. To get maximum fuel economy, your vehicle should be maintained to the standards recommended in the owner’s manual. By understanding how different vehicle components affect fuel efficiency will allow you to better appreciate the importance of maintenance, and your role in keeping your vehicle in peak running condition.

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