Mileage
A failed oxygen sensor can cut your gasmileageby as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Yet, you can prevent premature parts failure and poor engine performance by implementing a regular car maintenance schedule. It is true that neglecting your engine and other car systems won't necessarily prevent your vehicle from running-not in the near future, anyway. But soon, you'll notice a gradual decrease in gas mileage and failure of engine components. Thus, a maintenance program that covers key systems will help you keep fuel consumption at the proper rate for your vehicle model and prevent unnecessary repairs.Emission control systemsThe variousemission systemsin your vehicle keep hazardous gases down. This means helping your engine use fuel efficiently. Several systems play a role in the control of emissions, including the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV), exhaust and other systems. Problems in one or more of these areas can lead to poor ignition timing, fuel leakage, poor air flow and restriction of blowby gases. Even more, an emission diagnosis may show an increase in hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen gases.The fuel systemIf emission control systems keep hazardous gases under control, thefuel systemcontrols fuel supply to the engine at the correct pressure. Depending on the particular fuel system used in your vehicle, key components may include an injection assembly, carburetor, filters, fuel pressure regulator and system sensors. These and other key components need regular attention to keep gas mileage, and the system, at optimal condition. A fuel maintenance program may include fuel injector service, fuel pressure check, carburetor service, fuel filter replacement and attention to other injection controls specific to your particular system.The ignition systemThe ignition system provides the voltage-or fire-necessary to burn the air/fuel mixture supplied to the engine. As you may suspect, problems in the ignition system may lead to improperly burned fuel, an increase in fuel consumption and hazardous emissions. Ignition system maintenance include, depending on your particular vehicle model, inspection or replacement of spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor, ignition coil and related components.Other vehicle systems affecting gas mileageOutside those systems directly related to your car's engine, lack of maintenance of tires, wheel assemblies, and suspension systems can also affect your vehicle gas mileage. Under inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Incorrect wheel alignment can have the same effect as a tire working with insufficient pressure, wasting engine power to push the vehicle harder to move it down the road.Your vehicle service manual is the best source and guide to support and keep under control those systems and components that bear direct impact on your vehicle's gas mileage. Keep your maintenance schedule on hand and service your vehicle regularly. It not only keepshazardous gasesto a minimum and increases the service life of vehicle components, but also improves gas mileage by about 4 percent.
