Improving personal fuel economy: maintenance tips

Keep tires properly inflated

Drivers can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 1 percent for every 3 PSI drop in pressure in all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and also last longer.

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, in the glove box and in your owner's manual. Use this information as a guide – not the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Fuel economy benefit: up to 3%

Buy fuel-efficient replacement tires

Tire manufacturers are now offering fuel-efficient replacement tires for many vehicles. For every 10 percent reduction in tire rolling resistance, a car’s fuel economy will improve 1 to 2 percent.

When buying new tires, ask for models that advertise their fuel economy benefits. Several new high-efficiency “low rolling resistance” options now available are:

• Goodyear Fuel Max (4% advertised fuel savings, 65,000 mile tread wear warranty)
• Michelin Energy Saver A/S (8% advertised fuel savings)
• Bridgestone Ecopia
  

Note: “Low rolling resistance” does NOT mean low traction. LRR tires use advanced design in tire structure and new rubber additives to reduce energy lost each time a tire rolls. These improvements do not sacrifice performance. Several LRR tire models advertise improved traction.

Fuel economy benefit: 4 to 8%

Keep the engine properly tuned

Tuning up a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve gas mileage by about 4 percent. Results will vary based on the repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor or other problems indicated by the “check engine” light, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Fuel economy benefit: 4 to 40%

Use the recommended grade of motor oil

Drivers can improve gas mileage by 1 to 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 impair gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower gas mileage by 1 to 1.5 percent.

Look for motor oil that notes "energy conserving" on the API performance symbol. These oils contain friction-reducing additives.

Fuel economy benefit: 1 to 2%