Tanking Fuel Economy Factor in Purchases

January 5, 2010  
Filed under Feature

Copy by: David Cerotzke

Fuel economy has become a major factor in the car buyer’s selection process. The success government program known as “Cash For Clunkers” reaffirmed the public interest in cutting fuel costs. In absence of purchasing a new vehicle on the basis of gas mileage, car owners can easily improve performance in this area by simply maintaining their vehicles. This maintenance consists of replacing the air filter, rotating the tires, and replacing the spark plugs regularly. In the case of the air filter, replacement occurs, according to manufacturer specifications, every 12,000 miles; however this rating remains a very general one. For car owners in dusty areas or who frequent gravel roads, the air filter should be changed sooner, due the adverse air quality. With a properly functioning filter, the engine can maintain an even mixture between air and fuel, allowing for leaner and more efficient operation.

All automobiles have factory specified rotation patterns for the tires. Rotation consists of moving the tires form back to front as a method of ensuring even ware.  If neglected, the tires’ rubber exterior diminishes differently between the drive and non-drive wheels of the vehicle.  This alone can drastically cut fuel economy and cause poor handling on the highway.

The final common fuel saving maintenance procedure involves keeping clean and properly rated spark plugs installed in the vehicle at all times. In the gasoline engine, the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture causing combustion. The spark occurs as a charge of electricity arcs form the electrode to the armature of the plug. While designed to withstand the punishing conditions within a combustion engine, the tips of these devices become coated in carbon, insulating it and preventing an effective spark from occurring. The problem can be resolved easily, either by purchasing and installing a new set of plugs or removing and cleaning the old ones. The latter case only works temporarily, used commonly in between changes, and is best done with a hard wire brush and penetrating oil.

All of these processes can be easily requested of any auto mechanic. Regular visits to such institutions will decrease the likelihood of any major mechanical failures running unchecked and causing extensive damage. At the same time, regular tune-ups keep the car’s fuel economy high and future maintenance costs low, a win-win scenario for car owners.

Tags:

 Email This Story        Print This Story