Keeping up proper maintenance and tuneups can increase overall fuel mileage by 18 to 20 percent and in some instances much more. Over the next few months and with proposed increases still coming, 18 percent of savings may add up to a trunk load of savings.
Such was the case with Jeff Lisenbe, service manager with Tranum Auto Group.
“A quick change of a dirty air cleaner and my daughter’s three-quarter-ton pickup was back to 14 mpg on the highway, up from an average of 10 mpg,” he said.
A gas engine runs on a mix of air and fuel. When either of those systems are obstructed, efficiency is reduced. Over time, the process of combustion and dirty gas can lead to a case of clogged arteries for your car.
Carbon buildup, sometimes termed “gunk,” along with sludge and other mileage gorging monsters under the hood, can strip much-needed miles per gallon from an auto. Lisenbe recommends to keep the fuel systems at their optimum by getting injectors and throttle body (controls air intake) cleaned every 30,000 miles.
“A good cleaning removes the varnish and carbon buildup, letting the engine breathe properly,” he said.
“One often misunderstood, but critical, factor in attaining peak fuel efficiency is tires and tire pressure,” said Greg Jarolik, assistant service manager of Johnson Brothers Ford. “Tire pressure should be set by the auto manufacturers specs, not what’s on the side of the tire.”
“Tire sizes and pressure are determined by the factory to give the best performance on that specific make and model,” added Debbie Hunt, service manager at Johnson Brothers.
She recommends replacing oversized or worn tires with properly inflated stock sizes and tread design for better mileage. Tire specifications can normally be found on placards attached to the inside edge of the driver’s door or door frame.
“Be aware of the check engine light,” Hunt said.
This usually means there is a malfunction in the emissions system or defective oxygen sensor that may cause excessive fuel consumption and even drivability concerns, such as stalling or racing.
“A wornout O2 (oxygen) sensor can increase fuel usage by 40 percent.” she said.
It’s also a good idea to get your oil changed to the proper grade for your car.
“Oil that’s too thick or dirty with sludge causes drag on the engine,” Jarolik said. “Fuel filters are often overlooked until there is a noticeable problem.”
He recommends changing every 30,000 miles for gasoline engines and 15,000 miles for diesels.
“Spark plugs are really not a problem anymore,” Jarolik said. “A good platinum plug will last you 100,000 miles.”
A good maintenance program can have substantial long-term savings past the pump, added Walt Brannon, service technician at Tranum.
“My 2000 GMC truck has 230,000 miles and I’ve never done anything to it besides the basic maintenance. I keep the injectors cleaned and filters changed often,” he said.
The truck is paid off and Brannon sees it lasting for many years to come, saving him hundreds in monthly car payments.
Lisenbe, Jarolik and Hunt all agree that keeping your auto maintained to factory specs may be the only defense we have against gas price sticker shock.
“It may be an investment to keep up with maintenance,” Lisenbe said. “But would you rather be putting all your money into the tank instead of taking the family dinner.”
Services vary in price according to make or model.
More information is available on fuel economy and gas prices at www.fueleconomy.gov.
sgaulin@temple-telegram.com
