Tires: Tires are very important, not just for safety, but also for your economy.  Tires with worn tread are not only a safety issue, but you actually lose fuel economy driving on worn out tires.  The inflation of your tires should be maintained at the factory recommended levels (found on the sticker inside your driver’s door).  Tires that are below the recommended inflation create resistance, friction and your engine has to work harder to go the same distance.  Under-inflated tires are also a serious safety risk because these tires overheat, and are more likely to experience a catastrophic failure (blow-out).  You’re not only throwing your fuel economy in the trash, but you’re also risking your family’s lives.  Over-inflated tires are also a safety risk, besides causing excessive and uneven wear, causing you to replace your tires at shorter intervals.  This significantly increases your cost of operation and ultimately your economy.  You do not gain any fuel economy by running your tires with higher than recommended pressure.

Engine Maintenance:  Do you know the recommended service intervals for your vehicle?  Do you know that the intervals on new vehicles are longer than were previously recommended?  Engines are manufactured to much higher standards and cleanliness.  Because of the stricter standards these engines are capable of running longer distances in normal operation and able to go 12,000 km and in some cases more for certain makes and models.  Most late model cars and trucks run intervals that are 5,000 km to 6,000 km between services.  Recommended services for your vehicle include tune-ups at specified durations.  A lot of people believe that if the car is still running smoothly and has the power that it doesn’t need a tune-up.  Actually your vehicle’s economy will slowly degrade as the time nears for your major service (tune-up).  The money you think you’re saving by waiting longer and longer before having your major service done is actually money thrown away.  Your fuel economy would be greatly improved and the over-all life span for your vehicle is increased when you service it as recommended. Little things like a faulty O2 sensor can cause your vehicle to burn much more fuel than it should.

Transmission:  A majority of people tend to forget a major component in their cars and trucks.  The transmission or transaxle tends to be totally ignored.  Did you know that failure to service your transmission at the recommended service intervals can result in degraded fuel economy for many reasons, such as increased internal friction.  Add to this is the fact that replacing a transmission can cost several thousand dollars.  When maintained properly your transmission will operate smoothly, providing you with a better driving experience.  Additionally, it will maintain, or improve your fuel economy.

Cleanliness:  Auto manufacturers go to great measures designing their vehicles for the best aerodynamics for fuel economy, reduced wind noise, etc.  When a vehicle is washed and kept cleaned and polished it maintains the aerodynamics.  A dirty vehicle has increased wind friction and reduced fuel economy.  Whether you use a car wash, or do it yourself at home, keeping you car clean is one of the cheapest ways to help maintain your fuel economy.

Tell us what you think………..Do you have an idea that improves fuel economy?  Let us know.