With gas prices constantly fluctuating, finding ways to save on fuel is a priority for many drivers. While driving habits play a significant role in fuel efficiency, ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained can make a big difference, too. Routine auto repairs and regular maintenance can not only extend the life of your car but also improve gas mileage and help you save at the pump. Here’s how you can make your car more fuel-efficient with a few smart maintenance moves.
1. Keep Your Engine Tuned and Healthy
A well-tuned engine is the key to optimal fuel efficiency. When your engine is running smoothly, it burns fuel more efficiently, leading to better gas mileage. However, an engine that's misfiring or not performing well can waste fuel.
Common Repairs to Improve Engine Efficiency:
- Replace Worn Spark Plugs: Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine. Over time, they wear out, causing inefficient combustion and poor fuel economy. Replacing spark plugs at recommended intervals can improve your vehicle's performance.
- Fix the Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is on, it could signal issues that negatively impact fuel efficiency, such as faulty oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, or the catalytic converter. Addressing these problems can help restore optimal fuel economy.
2. Check and Replace Your Air Filter
Your engine needs a steady supply of clean air to function efficiently. A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Regularly inspecting and replacing the air filter is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your car’s gas mileage.
How Often to Change Your Air Filter:
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it’s a good idea to check it more frequently if you drive in dusty or urban areas with heavy traffic.
3. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the car—resulting in lower fuel efficiency. Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage.
How Tire Pressure Affects Fuel Economy:
For every 1 PSI drop in tire pressure, your gas mileage can decrease by up to 0.2%. That may not sound like much, but over time, it adds up. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and ensure it's at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
4. Regular Oil Changes
Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and allowing it to run smoothly. However, as oil ages, it becomes less effective, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Regular oil changes keep the engine lubricated and ensure it operates efficiently.
Choosing the Right Oil for Better Mileage:
Using the manufacturer-recommended grade of oil is critical for fuel efficiency. Many modern cars require synthetic or lower-viscosity oils designed to reduce friction and improve gas mileage.
5. Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation
Misaligned wheels or unevenly worn tires can cause your car to drag or pull to one side, leading to increased fuel consumption. Keeping your wheels properly aligned and rotating your tires regularly ensures even wear and helps your car drive more efficiently.
Benefits of Alignment and Rotation:
- Improved Gas Mileage: Proper alignment reduces the strain on your engine, allowing it to perform better with less effort.
- Extended Tire Life: Rotating your tires prevents uneven wear, extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements.
6. Replace a Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in your car’s exhaust and signals the engine’s computer to adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal efficiency. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause your car to use more fuel than necessary.
When to Replace the Oxygen Sensor:
Most oxygen sensors last between 60,000 to 90,000 miles, but if yours is malfunctioning, it can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%. Replacing it can quickly improve gas mileage.
7. Ensure Proper Fuel Injector Maintenance
Fuel injectors deliver fuel directly to the engine's combustion chamber. Over time, they can become clogged with dirt, debris, or carbon buildup, leading to inefficient fuel delivery and poor gas mileage. Cleaning or replacing fuel injectors can help improve fuel efficiency.
Signs Your Fuel Injectors Need Attention:
- Decreased fuel economy
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- A noticeable loss in power or acceleration
8. Check and Repair Exhaust System Leaks
Exhaust leaks can lead to inefficient combustion and reduce fuel economy. If you hear unusual noises coming from your exhaust or notice a decline in gas mileage, it’s worth getting your exhaust system inspected for leaks or damage.
Conclusion
Improving your car’s fuel efficiency is all about consistent maintenance and timely repairs. From replacing spark plugs and air filters to maintaining proper tire pressure and alignment, small adjustments can lead to big savings at the gas pump. If you're looking to boost your vehicle’s performance and save on fuel, stop by Old Town Auto Service, and our ASE-certified technicians will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.