Improving Gas Mileage
- Choose the right octane. If you are using an octane grade that is too low for your vehicle, something other than the spark plug can ignite the fuel in the engine. If your vehicle detects abnormal ignitions, its on-board computers will slow down the vehicle's timing so severe damage does not occur. This slowing down means you are no longer getting optimum engine performance or gas mileage. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to learn about the correct octane for your vehicle.
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- Keep tires inflated to proper levels. Under-inflation means the tire is soft and the outside edges work harder than the softer center. The extra rolling resistance makes your vehicle work harder to move and it reduces gas mileage. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, and maintain the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual. Also, you can usually find this recommended pressure on a sticker posted in the trunk, on the door pillar or in the glove compartment.
- Don't drive at high speeds. Driving at 65 mph as opposed to 55 mph increases fuel consumption by 20%.
- Change your air filter. This is important because air is just as crucial as fuel in the combustion process that powers the engine. Air is drawn through the air filter, then the air intake manifold and into the cylinders. There, it mixes with fuel to create the small explosions that power your vehicle. A dirty air filter prevents the cylinders from drawing in enough air, and throws off the fuel/air mix. This can result in poor fuel economy.
- Have your fuel system professionally cleaned. Dirt, sand and other impurities can clog your fuel filter and starve your fuel injectors. Starved or clogged fuel injectors can impede engine performance and reduce fuel efficiency.
| A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Vehicle
This simple barrier of accordion-folded paper may look insignificant but it's responsible for providing clean air to your vehicle's cylinders.
This is important because air is just as crucial as fuel in the combustion process that powers the engine. Air is drawn through the air filter, then the air intake manifold and into the cylinders. There, it mixes with fuel to create the small explosions that power your vehicle.
A dirty air filter prevents the cylinders from drawing in enough air, and throws off the fuel/air mix. This can result in poor fuel economy. |
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Clogged Fuel Injector or Filter: The Warning Signs
Your engine runs on a delicate balance of fuel and air. Dirt, sand and other impurities can clog your fuel filter and starve your fuel injectors. Starved or clogged fuel injectors can impede engine performance and reduce fuel efficiency.
Warning signs of a clogged fuel injector or fuel filter include:
- stalling while driving
- misfiring or hesitation during acceleration
- difficulty starting or long cranking periods
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Tire Tactics
Under- or over-inflation of tires can:
- cause uneven tread wear
- weaken your tires
- reduce traction
- impact gas mileage
- reduce the number of miles you get out of your tires
Eventually, you could have inconvenient flats or even dangerous blowouts. Over-inflation means the weight of your vehicle is not distributed evenly across the entire tread but is instead concentrated on a thin strip in the center.
Under-inflation means the tire is soft and the outside edges work harder than the softer center. The extra rolling resistance makes your vehicle work harder to move and it reduces gas mileage.Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed in your vehicle's owner's manual. You can usually find this recommended pressure on a sticker posted in the trunk, on the door pillar or in the glove compartment.
Each of your tires will wear differently due to its position and the type of vehicle you own. So tires will wear evenly, remember to balance and rotate your tires according to manufacturer's recommendations. |
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To check tread wear, use "the penny trick":
- Insert a penny into the tread groove with Abe Lincoln's face showing, but with his head upside-down.
- If you can see all of Abe Lincoln's head, it's probably time to replace your tires
If you live in a moderate climate, warming up an engine is not typically necessary. If you live in a freezing climate, you should let the engine run (without pressing the gas pedal) for a few minutes so the oil can circulate through the engine and get it ready to run.
Caught Overheating?
If you find your temperature gauge creeping into the red, turn on your heater. Sound crazy? It can work.
Your heater pulls heat from the liquid that cools your engine. If you turn on the heater and set the fan to the highest blower speed position, your heater will pull more heat from this liquid, helping it to cool down the engine faster. Also be sure to turn off the air conditioner at the first signs of overheating. Doing so will take a load off your engine.
The best thing you can do, however, when your engine overheats, is to pull over as safely and quickly as possible and wait for your vehicle to cool down. Never attempt to take the radiator cap off since it is keeping boiling, high-pressure liquid in check. |
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Summertime Heater Maintenance
During the summer, be sure to crank up the heat. Once a month, try to turn on your heater for 1-2 minutes to let fluid circulate. This will help keep your heater core clean and can help reduce corrosion.
