April 27th, 2009 | 
Author: Maintenance Tricks To Extend Mileage Of A Used Car
These days people are buying used cars that are more economical on fuel but there are also ways you can improve the gas mileage of your used car.
Learn How to Improve the Gas Mileage of Your Used Car
After purchasing a used car from a used car dealer many people just start driving it without bothering to perform any sort of maintenance to it. However by following this simple guide you’ll be able to insure that the engine is running at optimal fuelconsumption and that the car is traveling under the most economical conditions. The most important tip you can use is to buy a used car that has the best gas mileage. But even then you can improve the performance of your newly purchased car. Follow these steps the first day you buy your used car and youll realize tremendous savings.
Reduce Drag
Did the car come with a luggage or ski rack on top? Consider remove those accessories that add significantly to the cars aerodynamic drag. Research shows that simply installing a cartop carrier can reduce the gas mileage of a vehicle by over 5 mpg.
Replace the Tires
Consider replacing the tires if the used car dealership hasnt already done so. At the same time make sure to ask for an alignment. Brand new balanced perfectly inflated tires can improve the overall gas mileage of your used car by 1 mpg or more on the highway. If you purchase tires with lower rolling resistance the gas savings are even more significant. According to the latest research tires with low rolling resistance can save you over 100 a year in fuel costs. New tires will also reduce the wear on your car and lead to a much longer life for your vehicle. Plus buying new tires will make it feel like youre driving a brand new car.
Check the Gas Cap
Did you know that just having a loose gas cap can result in gas evaporating straight out of your cars gas tank? Its true and most people dont even realize that the damaged gas cap on their car is causing them to lose gallons of gas every month. Have a mechanic check out the gas cap the next time you are having your car serviced or an oil change. If its seeping just contact the local dealership for the brand of car youve purchased they will be able to find you a replacement gas cap.
Give It a Tune Up
One of the best things you can do for your newly purchased used car is to give it a tuneup. Have a mechanic replace all spark plugs and spark plug wires with a new set. A new set of plugs and a finely tuned engine is the single most effective method to experience drastic fuel savings. Spark plugs can misfire and often the damage isnt enough so that youll notice. This condition can reduce engine efficiency by an drastic 30 percent. Fixing the problem will save you a fortune.
Replace the Air Filter
If your engine cant breathe properly it will work harder and burn more fuel to perform the same amount of work. In fact whenever you have your oil change or you change it yourself always check the air filter and replace it every three months. A clean air filter will improve your engine efficiency by as much as 10 percent!
Empty the Trunk
Many people purchase a used car and dont even bother checking whats in the trunk. Often tools that have been stored away or extra tires and supplies can add up to 100 pounds to the overall weight of the car. Believe it or not every 100 pounds added to your car reduces the MPG by 2. Yes that means driving your 225 motherinlaw home from Thanksgiving dinner costs you a fortune what better excuse to give your wife for refusing to do it? Check the trunk and if you dont absolutely need whats there chuck it.
Drive Conservatively
Your driving habits probably have the most influence on a cars fuel efficiency. Methods to increase the overall mpg of your used car the most:
- Try to drive at as constant a speed as possible.
- Driving 55 is the most efficient speed.
- Avoid routes that have a lot of hills.
- Avoid accelerating hard as much as possible.
- Run multiple errands on one trip and travel less.
For more information about quality used cars including vehicle listings vehicle information and even used car credit information visit Harry Coker at www.blueskymotors.net.
About the writer: Ryan Dube is an Electrical Engineer with 15 years of experience in the IT industry. He has been freelance writing for over 10 years for publishers both online and offline and has covered topics including the paranormal finance relationships and more. Read more at www.invisibleincwriters.com
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