Four Ways to Increase Gas Mileage
Looking for ways to increase gas mileage? These days, it's important to save money. That's why you need to be sure that your vehicle is running efficiently.
So, here's four ways to increase gas mileage.
First Way To Increase Gas Mileage: Change The Dirty Oil
Oil has two primary functions. First, it lubricates the moving parts on your engine. Second, it carries the heat (caused by friction) away from those moving parts.
As the oil breaks down, it's unable to remove the heat as efficiently. Which causes the engine to work harder, and burn more fuel.
Change your oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations (or sooner).
Second Way To Increase Gas Mileage: Change The Dirty Air Filter
Think of it like this; You're in the Bahama's, snorkeling over some pretty coral reefs, and your only source of air, is a snorkel. If that snorkel becomes partially clogged, your body is going to have to work harder to get the air it requires.
Your vehicle basically has to breathe through a snorkel too. However, it has an air filter to keep out any contaminants. If that filter becomes clogged, the engine has to work twice as hard just to breathe. Which will result in more fuel consumption.
Clean your air filter every other fill up at the gas station. Replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Third Way To Increase Gas Mileage: Tire Pressure!
The only thing between you, and the road, is a tiny patch of rubber. No matter how big your tires are, only a few square inches ever touch the road.
Your vehicle was designed to run at maximum efficiency, when its tire's are inflated with the correct amount of air pressure (a tire's optimum PSI level is stamped on the side of the tire, near the size stamp).
When a tire is under-inflated, more rubber has contact with the road surface. This causes your engine to work harder, because it has to push that extra rubber down the road. The end result is higher fuel consumption, and shorter tire life.
If your looking for ways to increase gas mileage check your tire pressure at least every other fill up at the gas station. Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer.
Fourth Way To Increase Gas Mileage: Make Sure Sensors Work Properly.
Modern vehicles require data input from an endless array of sensors in order to operate. These sensors tell the vehicle's computer what each system is doing, that way the computer can make adjustments, so the vehicle will operate more efficiently.
If one of these sensors fails, the vehicle's computer can't make the necessary calculations for efficient operation. One of the most common sensor failures is the Oxygen Sensor.
An Oxygen (o2) Sensor detects the amount of fuel, and air in the exhaust gases that pass by the sensor head. The vehicle's computer then uses this data to calculate the most efficient amount of fuel to inject into the combustion chamber.
If an o2 sensor isn't working properly, either too much gas, or too little gas will be injected into the cylinders. Resulting in higher fuel consumption, and a rough running engine.
Have your vehicle serviced at regular intervals according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Ask the technician to check the o2 sensor and confirm that it is working properly.
If your vehicle is under warranty, extended warranty, or you if you have a vehicle service contract, this sensor should be covered.
Conclusion
Teddy Field
Since your vehicle is likely the second largest investment that you'll ever make (besides your house), take care of it!
Each vehicle is designed to provide maximum efficiency, if all of its systems are maintained properly. Keep this in mind when you're looking for ways to increase gas mileage!
So, stop putting off that tune-up. Or you'll wind up paying for it at the pump!
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