"Why is Car Maintenance Important to Improve Gas Mileage?"

Car maintenance is critical to improve your gas mileage, and as an added bonus it extends the life of your vehicle.

Let's try a comparison to help you understand why a well-maintained car is a prerequisite for fuel-efficiency.

Example:

Think of it in terms of illness. If your car isn't properly maintained, it's sick or more likely to get sick.

It's just like the person who doesn't take care of himself. He eats poorly and doesn't exercise.

He's liable to break down, and in the process, will require more food, nutrients, medication, and fluids to function normally.

The same is true for your car. If it's treated badly, it will require more fuel than necessary.

"Why Does a Car That Isn't Properly Maintained Have Bad Gas Mileage?"

Any time your car has to work harder, it will burn more gas.

It's as simple as that.

"What Specific Types of Car Maintenance Will Improve Gas Mileage?"

Check your owner's manual. There are instructions there on when and how you should take proper care of your tires, change the motor oil, change the car air filter and other tune-up suggestions.

If you don't have your owner's manual, look it up online or contact your vehicle's manufacturer for information on car maintenance schedules and alerts your vehicle will give you when it's time to have various work done.


You could also ask the guys down at your local garage, but we know how confusing that can be.

Some, but not all, auto shops will take advantage of you if you don't know what your car needs. That's why it's important to learn how your car works BEFORE seeing your auto mechanic.

Heck, you may even learn enough to handle the routine care and repair work all by yourself. That'll save you even more money!

Return to "Improve Gas Mileage Guide" from "Car Maintenance".