At Crestview Auto Service we are proud to be part of the NAPA AutoPro network. We are a professional repair shop that focuses on great customer service. We have highly qualified and trained technicians and staff to provide you with honest and quality vehicle repairs and services. Our clients receive NAPA’s Peace of Mind Warranty on qualifying parts and labour at no additional cost. In our latest article, we are going to discuss fuel economy.
With gas prices sky rocketing these days, keeping good fuel economy in your vehicle is even more important. There are a few simple ways to make sure you are getting the best from your vehicle.
1. Keep your engine properly tuned. Just a faulty oxygen sensor alone can decrease your fuel economy substantially by as much as 30%. Proper engine maintenance includes replacing the spark plugs, pcv valve, air filter and fuel filter. A properly maintained vehicle will run more efficiently and give you better mileage, which saves you money in gas.
2. Keep tires properly inflated. Under inflated tires increases vehicle drag and cause a drop in fuel economy by 0.2% for every 1 psi drop. You can improve your gas mileage by 0.6% on average—up to 3% in some cases—by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Additionally, properly inflated tires will last longer and are safer. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner’s manual.
3. Use the recommended grade of motor oil all year around. Using the wrong grade can decrease your mileage by up to 2%. Using the wrong motor oil viscosity, especially if thicker than recommended, will directly affect your car’s mileage. This is because critical moving parts, like pistons, move less freely. This adds a load onto the engine and subsequently reduces the car’s overall fuel efficiency and will cause premature engine wear.
4. Replace air filters regularly. On carbureted engines, having clean air filters both improves fuel economy and acceleration. Dirty air filters reduce airflow. Air filters trap contaminants in a media made of paper and synthetic fibers. Over time, this media becomes filled with dirt and debris, preventing the engine from breathing properly. As a result, the engine will work harder and use more fuel. As for fuel injected vehicles, it may not improve mileage but does improve performance of the vehicle.
Keep your vehicle in good shape with proper maintenance. Not only will your vehicle last longer and be safer, your pocketbook with thank you in the long run.
Call us at Crestview Auto Service to book your regular maintenance and tune up today at 306-244-6522.