Regular maintenance
Squeeze out more mileage with a well tuned car
Regular tune-ups and maintenance helps to keep your car safe, running cleanly and efficiently and will extend the use and trade-in value.
Tune-Ups
Regular tune-ups that include maintenance of the ignition system and emissions system are very important. Follow your car's owner's manual regarding length of time and number of miles between tune-ups and maintenance. The items that will need examination and possible replacement include the air filter, spark plugs and/or wire, distributor cap and rotors and fuel filter.
Brakes & Alignment
Having your brakes checked will give you an idea how well your brakes are working, whether they need to be replaced and if they are costing you money through reduced gas mileage. Most brakes will tend to drag. But it's hard to know if this is affecting your engine and gas mileage. Take your car into a professional brake shop or mechanic and have them checked. When you have the brakes looked at have the wheel alignment checked and aligned if required.
Lubricants
You can increase your gas mileage by using the auto manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. This should be listed in your owner's manual. "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." - www.fueleconomy.gov
