How to Maintain Cars for Fuel Efficiency

Keeping your car maintained in a few specific areas can make a difference in your fuel consumption. With gas prices setting new records almost every week, everything we can do to make our cars more efficient is important.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Keep your engine tuned up. If this is not something you can do on your own, get to know your mechanic and make sure he knows exactly what you want. If your oxygen sensor is faulty, it can lower your fuel efficiency by quite a bit!

2. 

   Replace your air filter regularly. A clogged filter obviously will not work well and will hamper the air intake. Filters are very inexpensive and can boost your fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.

3. 

   Check your tire pressure and make sure it is at the recommended level. Most gas stations still have free air and some even offer a pressure gauge. A gauge is a good thing to keep in your glove compartment for easy checking.

4. 

   Change your oil at the recommended times and make sure you are using the right grade for your car. This information is in your owner's manual. Also check the label on the can to make sure it is energy-conserving oil.

5. 

   Drive at the speed limit. Most cars have been manufactured to be most efficient around the 55 to 65 mph range. Once you start pushing it beyond that, you start to get lower gas mileage. For example, driving at 10 mph above the 65 mph speed limit increases fuel consumption by 15 percent.