How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Boost Fuel Efficiency And Longevity
Every time you drive your vehicle, you’re consuming fuel. The gradually rising cost of fuel means those daily commutes, as well as those weekend spirited drives, end up costing you more.
But what if investing in regular car maintenance came with considerably better fuel economy and increased longevity? What if those daily drives could cost you less while still enjoying peak performance and impressive reliability? The truth is that regular vehicle maintenance really does boost your fuel economy, while also ensuring vehicle longevity. Here’s a look at how.
Regular Oil Changes
Your engine oil lubricates the hundreds of moving parts within your engine, dissipating heat and counteracting friction.
Over time, your engine oil degrades and attracts contaminants such as carbon particles and debris. As it loses its viscosity, so its ability to lubricate diminishes, which impacts your fuel economy. Reduced component lubrication means your engine has to work harder to drive your car forward, therefore consuming more fuel.
Clean, high-quality oil also counteracts wear and tear on engine components by providing a non-contaminated lubrication layer. Older oil tends to cause sludge buildup, which can prevent your oil from circulating effectively and even lead to engine failure in severe cases. Investing in regular vehicle maintenance will ensure that your engine runs smoothly, offering you better fuel consumption.
New Spark Plugs
These small components play an important role in igniting the air-fuel mixture within your cylinders. Spark plugs don’t last forever, as over time, the electrodes wear down due to carbon deposits. This diminishes the strength of the spark produced, affecting your engine’s ability to combust fuel. The result is that your engine doesn’t burn fuel efficiently and ends up consuming additional fuel.
The best way to prevent this is to invest in a preventative vehicle maintenance program to ensure your spark plugs are replaced before they lose efficiency. Prioritizing a timely replacement of your spark plugs will also help minimize any stress otherwise placed on your engine.
Timely Air & Fuel Filter Replacements
Your engine thrives on clean air to operate at its best. This is where your air filter plays the important role of preventing dust and other contaminants from entering your engine. It’s best to view your air filter as your engine’s main line of defense against harmful debris, which is why you want to keep these filters in top condition.
Over time, your air filter gets progressively clogged with impurities, which leads to restricted airflow, causing your engine to “choke”. A clogged fuel filter happens similarly, but with fuel instead of air, and causes your engine to burn fuel less efficiently. Investing in regular air and fuel filter changes is a sure way to protect your engine and ensure an optimal fuel burn.
Refreshed Cooling System Service
South Florida’s high temperatures can place pressure on your car’s cooling system. This is where your car’s coolant comes in, as it protects your engine from overheating.
As a specialized mixture of antifreeze and water, your coolant circulates through your engine and absorbs excess heat. But it degrades over time and can become contaminated. Old engine coolant offers less protection to your engine by increasing the risk of overheating and corrosion, both of which will always lead to increased fuel consumption.
Contaminants in your coolant can also lead to premature wear and tear on your engine components, which is why a regular coolant flush and refresh is recommended.
Attentive Tire Maintenance
Your engine isn’t the only component to consider when it comes to maximizing your fuel economy. The condition of your tires can play a significant role when it comes to fuel consumption fluctuations.
1. Underinflated Tires
Underinflated tires mean that a larger portion of your tire is in contact with the road, leading to increased rolling resistance. This means your engine has to work harder to build speed and consumes more fuel in the process. A correctly inflated tire can increase your consumption figure by a few percentage points.
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment
When your car pulls to the left or right, its rolling momentum is affected, causing your engine to work harder. Incorrect wheel alignment can affect your fuel consumption by up to 10%.
3. Worn Tires
Worn tires contain less tread depth, which means reduced traction on the road. A car that is struggling to maintain road traction will suffer from increased rolling resistance, thereby increasing fuel consumption.
As you can see, your overall tire health plays a big role in safeguarding good fuel consumption. Regular tire maintenance will ensure that your tires are taken care of.
Emission Systems Service
Another reason that your fuel consumption is too high could be a result of an emissions control system malfunction. These systems help to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants that are released into the atmosphere.
An emissions system service includes the servicing of your exhaust system, the catalytic converter, and the oxygen sensors. These can all play a role in increasing fuel economy. For instance, a faulty oxygen sensor could cause too much fuel to be released into your engine, reducing your fuel consumption. Regular vehicle maintenance done by trusted professionals will ensure your emission systems are within the correct range.
Specialized Vehicle Maintenance In Pompano Beach
At Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we offer specialized factory-scheduled maintenance for each car entrusted to our care. Our ASE certified mechanics won’t only keep your vehicle in pristine performance condition, but they’ll also troubleshoot issues such as decreased fuel consumption.
We specialize in all European automotive brands and offer factory-specific maintenance for every manufacturer. With over 125 years of experience within our workshop, you’re guaranteed the best European auto repair and performance services. Call us at 954-746-0488 to boost your fuel efficiency and longevity.