Improve Gas Mileage - More Car Maintenance Tips

...continued from Car Maintenance.

So, how can car maintenance improve gas mileage in your car?

Simple...

1. Getting an Oil Change. While you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles in newer cars, an oil change is essential for better MPG. Check your owner's manual. An oil change should occur between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. To optimize your fuel efficiency, use the lowest weight motor oil recommended for your car. In fact, synthetic oil is best, as it's the most light weight.
2. Checking Tire Pressure is important, not just for your gas mileage, but also for safety. Inflate your tires to the maximum PSI recommended for your car. Check the air pressure frequently.

   Do NOT over-inflate your tires! Many hypermilers over-inflate their tires dramatically because they believe it will improve gas mileage.

   This is extremely dangerous and costly. Your tires can blow if over-inflated, and the extra wear on the tires will require frequent tire purchases.

3. Rotate Tires to prevent uneven wear. Uneven wear will cause additional and unnecessary friction, lowering your MPG.

   Rotating tires is also a safety measure, so watch your tread carefully and rotate accordingly.

4. Change the Car Air Filter
5. Pump the Proper Grade of Gasoline recommended by your owner's manual. Higher octane gasoline than what's recommended will not improve fuel efficiency, nor is it better for your car. It will just cost you more money.
6. Check Your Car's Alignment. If your car's alignment is off balance, this will increase engine drag.

   You remember what I said above about your engine working harder, right?

   The harder your car has to work, the less fuel efficient it becomes. So, check your alignment.

7. Use the Right Tires. Don't use massive tires on your car that aren't necessary. Not only does it look silly, it adds unnecessary weight to your vehicle, reducing gas mileage.

   Also, make sure you remove your snow tires during warmer months. The additional tread and weight of snow tires reduces MPG.

Following these simple rules in car maintenance will not only improve gas mileage in your car, but also increase the life of your vehicle.

Remember to check your owner's manual for tune-up requirements and other suggestions to keep your car running longer and more fuel efficiently.

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