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Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned |
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage
by an average of 4 percent, though results var based on the kind of repair and
how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage byas much as
40 percent.
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Fuel Economy Benefit: |
4% |
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Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
$0.12/gallon |
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Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly |
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as
10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your
engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine. |
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Fuel Economy Benefit: |
up to 10% |
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Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
up to $0.31/gallon |
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Keep Tires Properly Inflated
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You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated
to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop
in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. |
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Fuel Economy Benefit: |
up to 3% |
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Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
up to $0.31/gallon |
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Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
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You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's
recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in
an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent.
Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage
by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving"
on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing
additives.
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Fuel Economy Benefit: |
1-2% |
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Equivalent Gasoline Savings: |
$0.03-$0.06/gallon |
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Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.10/gallon.
Data Sources
Estimates for fuel savings from vehicle maintenance, keeping tires properly inflated,
and using the recommended grade of motor oil are based on studies and literature reviews
performed by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Washington, DC.
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