Poor gas mileage can be caused by a whole host of different things, but these days we all need to get as far as we can for our gallon of gas. It not only helps us to save money but also helps to reduce the amount of gas we use which is great for the environment. It’s also worth remember that gas supplies are dwindling fast, and the further we get to the gallon the better it is for the whole world.
Here are some of the major culprits when it comes to using more gas than you need to get from A to B:
Spark plugs – these relatively small and inexpensive components play a very important part when it comes to gas mileage. They are directly responsible for sparking up the combustion in the engine. If your spark plugs aren’t working properly it can be a real negative when it comes to gas mileage.
Faulty fuel injectors – can also be the cause of bad gas mileage. These actually put the fuel through into the engine and if they are leaking less fuel will make it will mean that the engine won’t run quite as efficiently as it should.
Air Filters and oxygen filters – these can cause up to a 20% reduction in gas mileage efficiency. Oxygen sensors are designed to create the right mix between gas and air, and if this balance gets out of whack so does the efficiency of the motor. Air filters which get clogged up should be cleaned out . . . a relatively simple fix by anybody’s standards. In order for an engine to work at its peak efficiency and performance you need clean air filters.
Air conditioning – can also have an effect on the fuel efficiency of a motor. Lots of gas can be wasted powering the air conditioning system. Whether you need to use air conditioning depends largely on the speed you drive. When you are driving slowly it is a better idea to open up the windows but if driving at higher speeds you should close the windows to reduce drag . . . which in itself can have a detrimental effect on gas mileage.
Idling – is a complete waste of gas. Leaving your engine running while you are not moving anywhere is just a waste. This could be your way of letting the engine warm up during the colder winter months or while you are parked waiting to collect someone. Car engines really only need around 30 seconds to warm up so any more is a waste of gas, and if you are sitting parked while waiting for someone to pop into the store, come out of school or work just switch off the engine. This will help to save your gas, your money and the environment too.
Motor oil – can also have an effect on the amount of miles you get for your gas. Choose motor oils which are high quality to reduce friction – check the cars manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Driving – can also make a major difference to fuel efficiency. This is not only about the speed which you drive (slow down for maximum efficiency) but also the way you drive. If you are quite an aggressive driver who brakes and accelerates quickly this will use more gas.
Many modern cars are designed for the maximum efficiency. Check out the choices at a Nissan dealer Los Angeles, or better still have a look at this website from the comfort of your own home. It’s http://metronissanredlands.com.