Keeping Your Car in Shape

[Matt Timion]

<p><strong>Publication:</strong>Department of Energy (www.fueleconomy.gov)</p><p> <em><strong>Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned </strong></em><br>
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can impove its gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor, your gas mileage may improve <em>as much as 40 percent </em>.</p>
<p><em>Fuel Economy Benefit: 4-40% </em></p>
<p> <em><strong>Check &amp; Replace Air Filters Regularly <br>
</strong></em>Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.</p>
<p><em>Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 10% </em></p>
<p><em><strong>Keep Tires Properly Inflated </strong></em><br>
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 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.</p>
<p><em>Fuel Economy Benefit: 3% </em> </p>
<p> <em><strong>Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil </strong></em><br>
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. </p>
<p><em>Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2% </em> <br>
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