Auto Repair and Tune Up

Proper Auto Maintenance and Repair Can Dramatically
Improve Gas Mileage
How to Improve Gas Mileage and Performance Step 9

Previous steps: 1. Performance Air Filter 2. Clean Fuel System 3. Best Synthetic Motor Oil 4. Correct Tire Pressure 5. NGK Spark Plugs & Wires 6. Fuel Efficient Driving 7. Best Synthetic Gear Oil 8. Synthetic Transmission Fluid

To keep your vehicle fuel efficient, safe, and running at its best, you need to give it regular maintenance. Many engine parts loose efficiency over time as they wear and get dirty. In addition, modern engines have a lot of complex emission controls and sensors that can go bad and reduce your gas mileage and performance. If your check engine light is on, then you need to take it in. No one enjoys paying for auto repairs, but you will pay for it at the gas station if you don't get it repaired.

1. Repair and tune up: Follow your owner's manual tune up and maintenance recommendations, and most importantly, get your car or truck repaired if your check engine light is on, or if it is noticeably running rough. You can also have the shop install additional gas saving products while you are there.
   
    
2. Air filter: Standard filters can become clogged and restrict airflow after only several thousand miles and reduce your gas mileage and power by as much as 10%. But most car manufacturers only specify to change the air filter every 30,000 miles! We recommend changing standard filters every 10,000 miles, but it will save you money if you install a high performance air filter that will last 100,000 miles. Check out our Performance Air Filter page.
   
    
3. Oxygen Sensor: If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, have your oxygen sensor checked.
   
   A faulty oxygen sensor can reduce your gas mileage by as much as forty percent!
   
   The sensor sends a signal to your engine computer to adjust the fuel mixture. A faulty sensor can cause too much fuel to be injected into the engine.
   
    
4. Spark Plugs: Old spark plugs reduce gas mileage and increase exhaust emissions. A failed emissions test can often be passed after only replacing the spark plugs. The best spark plugs help fuel burn more completely. We recommend NGK Iridium Spark Plugs because they can improve gas mileage and last much longer than standard spark plugs.
   
    
5. Spark Plug Wires: Stock spark plug wires are usually selected by the manufacturer for low cost and adequate performance. High performance spark plug wires have lower electrical resistance and allow more energy to reach the spark plugs resulting in a stronger spark and more complete combustion. You will find them on all racing vehicles. Check out the NGK Spark Plug Wire Sets and see if one is available for your vehicle
   
    
6. Wheel Alignment: In addition to keeping your tires properly inflated, you need to have them all pointing in the same direction.
   
   Correcting wheels that are out of alignment can improve your gas mileage by 3%.
   
    If any of your tires are worn on one side, they may be out of alignment.
   
    
7. Brake Drag: A car with dragging brakes is like driving with with your foot resting on the brake pedal. The brakes are slightly engaged due to sticking brake calipers or pistons, or improper adjustment. With you car up on the rack, have the mechanic spin each tire to be sure that it rotates freely.