Here are the items that most affect fuel economy.
- Motor Oil. Top off and change oil as necessary with manufacturer-
recommended grade, "energy conserving" motor oils. Doing so can improve fuel
economy by up to 2 %, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
- Air Filters. Make sure you change your air filter at the end of its
recommended life span. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a vehicle's
gas mileage by up to 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Engine Performance. Enhance fuel economy performance by having
engines tuned and spark plugs replaced according to the manufacturer's
recommended schedule. A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up
to 4%, according to the EPA.
- Brakes. Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag
causing a dramatic drop in fuel economy.
- Warning Lights for "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine." Ignoring
these indicators may result in poor fuel economy performance and require
expensive repairs.
- Tire Wear. Replacing worn tires with a manufacturer - recommended
size and style can save hundreds of dollars a year.
- Tire Inflation Pressure. Keeping tires inflated to at least the
manufacturer-recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%,
according to the EPA.
- Unnecessary Items that Add Weight to the Vehicle.
- Evaporative Emission Controls. Faulty controls waste gas and degrade
air quality.
- Transmission. Properly operating modern transmission and drive
components are critical to vehicle fuel economy performance.
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