
Tech Talk
We don't just talk it. We teach it.
Here are a few tip for you and your automotive companion.
One of the leading causes of decreased fuel economy is neglected maintenance. This costs consumers millions of dollars in wasted fuel. Here are a few examples from parts plus car care center.
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DIRTY AIR FILTER
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MPG penalty: up to 2 MPG
The engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, so it’s easy to see the importance of the air filter. The air filter should be checked at every oil change.
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OIL CHANGE EXCEEDING 3 MONTHS / 3K MILES
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MPG penalty: up to 1 MPG
Dirty engine oils cause friction in internal engine parts, reducing efficiency
- WORN SPARK PLUGS
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MPG penalty: up to 2 MPG
When a spark plug wears out it can cause inefficient combustion, resulting in wasted fuel.
- FUEL FILTER
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MPG penalty: up to 1.5 MPG
A dirty fuel filter allows impurities like dirt and rust into the fuel system, causing the engine to use more fuel.
- TIRE INFATION
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MPG penalty: 1 TO 2 MPG
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and cause a decrease in fuel economy.
- FUEL CAP
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MPG penalty: up to 2 MPG
Damaged, missing or loose caps cause over 147 million gallons of fuel to evaporate each year.
- WORN O2 SENORS
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MPG penalty: up to 3 MPG
A worn oxygen sensor is unable to detect and adjust the fuel/air mixture correctly and can cause your vehicle to use more fuel than it needs to.
- WHEEL ALIGNMENT
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MPG penalty: up to 1.5 MPG
Improper alignment can lead to conditions which increase rolling resistance. This Is like driving with the parking brake not fully released.
There are a few other hints for fuel economy:
AND DON’T FORGET THAT CABIN AIR FILTER! THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR ENGINE AIR FILTER WHICH FILTERS ENGINE AIR. THE CABIN AIR FILTER FILTERS THE AIR YOU BREATH.
WE WILL CHECK ALL OF THE ABOVE IN OUR FREE 49 POINT ISPECTION-FREE WITH ANY SERVICE.