Keeping Your Car in shape
• Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an
emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4
percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how
well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen
sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
| Fuel Economy Benefit: |
4% |
| Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
$0.13/gallon |
• Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage
by as much as 10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities
from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing
a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.
| Fuel Economy Benefit: |
up to 10% |
| Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
up to $0.32/gallon |
• Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping
your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires
can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure
of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last
longer.
| Fuel Economy Benefit: |
up to 3% |
| Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
up to $0.10/gallon |
• Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the
manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using
10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower
your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed
for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look
for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API
performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
| Fuel Economy Benefit: |
1-2% |
| Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
$0.03-$0.06/gallon |
|
