How to Increase Fuel Mileage in Auto Engines
The fuel mileage your car is able to achieve is intrinsically tied to its engine. After all, it is in the engine where combustion takes place, turning the burning of fuel into usable energy. If the engine operates inefficiently, you will notice a drop in the vehicle's fuel economy. Fortunately, there are many steps you can undertake to ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. These steps will work regardless of whether your car is equipped with an economical 4-cylinder engine or a powerful V8.
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Instructions
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Change the oil in the engine and replace it with an oil designed for maximum friction reduction. Any quality synthetic oil should do the job. If the level of friction is lowered within the engine, it will run at greater efficiency and improve fuel mileage.
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Change the engine's air filter. The air filter is easy to find on most modern vehicles. Locate the large air hose and the box attached to it. This box houses the air filter. With many cars, the top of the box can be unsnapped. Pull out the old filter and insert a new one. This will afford the engine more clean air, enhancing its fuel efficiency.
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Check the spark plugs in the engine. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, fouled or misfiring spark plugs account for a 30 percent reduction in fuel economy. If you haven't inspected the plugs in a few years or in the last 50,000 miles, it's time to do so. If the plugs are coated with carbon or appear damaged, replace them with the proper plugs for your vehicle.
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Utilize the air-conditioning less frequently. Whenever you use the A/C, you place a greater strain on the engine, which means it must compensate through the use of more fuel.
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Alter the way you operate the car. The way you drive has a great deal to do with engine performance. If you repeatedly speed above 60 mph, allow the engine to idle or drive aggressively, you are causing more work for the engine and hindering its fuel economy.
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Contact a professional mechanic for an engine tune-up. Checking the fuel pump, fuel injectors and oxygen sensors may require more mechanical expertise than you possess. If so, a mechanic is the best option. If any of the aforementioned components are failing, your engine may be wasting fuel.
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References
- Photo Credit New car petrol engines image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
