In an age of $2.00+ per gallon gasoline here a just a few simple, easy and cost effective things you can do to take the bite out of your monthly fuel bills.
.jpg)
First, check your tire pressure regularly (Or, have us check it for you!). Having the correct tire pressure reduces "rolling resistance" and increases the number of miles you can travel on each gallon of gasoline.
Second, check your air filter. A contaminated or dirty air filter reduces the amount of air the engine is able to “breathe” and changes the air/fuel ratio, reducing overall fuel economy sometimes dramatically. A quick way to check your air filter would be to remove it from the vehicle and hold it up to the sun (or a bright flashlight). If you can see light radiating through the filter it's probably OK. Although, it can still be contaminated enough to cause your mileage to drop.
Third, have your wheel alignment checked. A vehicle that is out of alignment can "drag" the tires causing the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
The next three Car Care Tips are just as important, but not quite as easy or inexpensive...
When was the last time you had your ignition parts checked for wear, condition or performance? Worn ignition parts cannot perform efficiently and consequently cause the engine to waste more fuel.
Fifth, have you had your fuel induction system: fuel injectors, intake manifold, and valve train components checked for coke & carbon build up recently? Modern fuels have been known to leave excessive deposits under some driving conditions. Deposits such as these can cause poor fuel economy and even engine damage. Have an automotive service professional check for excessive coke & carbon today; it can make a big difference!
Sixth, and perhaps most important, resist the temptation to run your gas tank down to Empty. Most vehicles today are fuel injected with the fuel pump "living" in the gas tank. Running the vehicle below 1/4 tank can cause the pump to overheat and fail prematurely. You don't get any better fuel economy by running the tank low! Remember, the "E" on the fuel gauge does not stand for "enough!"
These are just a few things you can do to insure you are getting the most out of your cars and trucks and the most out of your money. They don't take a lot of effort and in many cases they don't require a big investment. But, they can result in significant savings.