Even though gas prices have dropped, fuel economy is still on the minds of every commuter. Keeping your car properly maintained can help boost your car's MPG. Some mechanics estimate that a poorly tuned engine can use up to 50% more gas than one that is running well. According to the National Car Care Council (carcare.org), if you combine under-inflated tires, a dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, a worn oxygen sensor, dirty oil, and a loose gas cap, you could be losing up to 11.4 miles per gallon of gas.
| Condition | Effect | MPG Penalty |
| Under-inflated Tires | Increase rolling resistance | 1-2 mpg |
| Dirty Air Filter | Causes excessively rich fuel/air mixture | 2.0 mpg |
| Worn Spark Plugs | Cause inefficient combustion, wasted fuel | 2.0 mpg |
| Worn Oxygen Sensor | Unable to detect and adjust air/fuel mixture | 3.0 mpg |
| Dirty or Substandard Engine Oil | Increases internal engine friction | .4 mpg |
| Loose Gas Cap | Allows fuel to evaporate | 2.0 mpg |
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| Potential loss in fuel economy if all of the above are neglected: | 11.4 mpg |
| Source: National Car Care Council (carcare.org) | |
The Importance of a Tune Up
Not only will getting a tune-up help to increase your car's MPG, but a tune-up can also help keep you safer on the roads. The National Car Care Council reports that vehicle maintenance negligence is responsible for more than 2,600 deaths and nearly 100,000 disabling injuries every year in the United States.
What Needs to be Checked?
If you are unable to take your car to a mechanic, you should inspect your oil, antifreeze, brake, transmission, and power steering fluid levels. Check your engine's hoses and belts for wear and tear as they can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the engine's cooling system.
You should check your tires regularly. When you check your tires, make sure that they are inflated to the proper PSI and that there aren't any bald spots or uneven tread wear. You should check your tires before every road trip and have them replaced immediately if you notice a problem with them.
A safe vehicle will help you stay accident free, which will ultimately lead to savings on your car insurance premiums. It is important to maintain your car to keep it as safe as can be. To see if you can save money, use InsWeb.com's online car insurance quote form to compare multiple quotes from leading car insurance providers.
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