Your car is a big enough expense as it is.  Oil services, tires, batteries, and insurance are just a few of the many expenses that come with owning a vehicle.  Fuel is a daily expense and it’s always nice when we can get a break.  Here are a few ways to improve your gas mileage.

1. Dirty air filter: Your car’s engine requires a precise mixture of air and fuel to operate efficiently. When the air filter is dirty or clogged, it restricts the flow into the engine, which can lead to an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture. This imbalance can cause the engine to run less efficiently, resulting in a decrease in fuel economy. By regularly replacing or cleaning your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you ensure that the engine receives the proper amount of air for combustion, thereby improving fuel efficiency.
2. Recommended tire pressure: Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for fuel efficiency. When your tires are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This increased resistance results in higher fuel consumption. On the other hand, properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently and saving fuel. Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tire placard usually located inside the driver’s door jamb.
3. Vehicle alignment: Proper wheel alignment ensures that your tires are making optimal contact with the road surface. If your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause uneven tire wear and increased rolling resistance, both of which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side, which may require you to apply additional steering input to keep it on course, further increasing fuel consumption. By getting your vehicle’s alignment checked and adjusted as needed, you can ensure that your tires roll smoothly and efficiently, ultimately saving gas.

By addressing these three factors—keeping your air filter clean, maintaining the recommended tire pressure, and ensuring proper vehicle alignment—you can help optimize your car’s performance and improve fuel efficiency, ultimately saving you money at the pump.