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: |
$0.10/gallon |
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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 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.
Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
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. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
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|
|
Fuel Economy Benefit: |
up to
3% |
|
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
up to $0.08/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-$0.05/gallon |
|
 |
NEW INFORMATION:
Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG |
A new study
shows that replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected,
computer-controlled gasoline engines does not improve fuel economy but
it can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent. This kind
of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the
early 1980s onward.
Tests suggest that replacing a
clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve
fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up
to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects
drivability.
The effect of a clogged air filter on diesel vehicles will be tested in the near future.
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Note:
Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $2.58/gallon. |