Can Car Maintenance Improve Fuel Efficiency?
Auto maintenance is one of those broad areas of automotive care that confuses a lot of drivers. It’s easy enough to recommend that you follow the service schedule listed in your owner’s manual. The fact is, if you diligently follow your manual, you can avoid most car problems. However, many drivers also want to improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
As you might expect, the auto repair industry has been quick to point out that proper car maintenance can lead to better gas mileage. In reality, some repairs and maintenance items will improve your mileage while others won’t. In this article, I’ll give you a quick list of 3 things you can do which can actually improve your mileage.
Keep Your Tires Filled
When your tires are underinflated, there is insufficient pressure within them. That causes them to expend more energy as they roll across the pavement. As a result, you’ll be forced to visit the gas station more often. Keep your tires inflated. Your owner’s manual should list the appropriate tire pressure. Filling them with air is inexpensive and according to FuelEconomy.gov, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by 3.3%.
Change Your Air Filters
Your vehicle’s air filter catches dirt and debris before they can enter the engine. The more you drive, the more debris it catches. The problem is that the buildup of debris can eventually begin to restrict the air flow. That causes your engine to burn more gas than necessary in order to operate your car.
Replace your air filter after every 30,000 miles. That said, you should check it whenever you have the oil changed to make sure it has not become clogged. For example, if you drive often on dirt roads or in certain areas, the filter will collect debris much more quickly.
Eliminate Carbon Buildup
A lot of repair shops offer a fuel injection maintenance service. Its purpose is to get rid of the carbon which builds up on your valves and pistons as you drive. The carbon deposits accumulate naturally, but can begin absorbing fuel if left unchecked. That leads to lower gas mileage.
The problem with this type of service is that it is not always obvious when you should have it performed. If there is excess carbon buildup, the chemicals which are used to clean your vehicle’s fuel injector will do the job effectively. But, if the carbon deposits are not an issue, it’s a waste of money. It’s akin to throwing a clean pair of jeans into the laundry.
The bottom line is that some types of car maintenance will improve your gas mileage while other types will not (despite what your mechanic may tell you). Keep your tires filled with the proper amount of pressure and replace your air filters when they become dirty. The improvement in your car’s fuel efficiency will be marginal, but still worthwhile.