Car Care Guide - (Page 24) CARING FOR YOUR CAR Fuel Economy TYPICAL SERVICE � � Tire pressure should be checked at least monthly, including the spare. Underinflated tires can lead to higher fuel costs by as much as three to five cents per gallon. The air filter should be inspected at each oil change, which is recommended every 3,000 miles or per the owner’s manual, and replaced when dirty, torn, water or oil soaked. Replacing a clogged filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. A routine tune-up will include checking the spark plugs, which have a replacement interval ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles or per the owner’s manual, replacing any other ignition system and/or emission system parts that may be needed, replacing the fuel and air filters, adjusting the ignition timing and idle speeds (if applicable), and ensuring the onboard computer control system is working properly. A tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of four percent. Oil and the oil filter should be changed every 3,000 miles or as recommended in the owner’s manual. My car is getting lower gas mileage than normal. Does this mean there’s a problem? How often should my car have a tune-up? What components will you be inspecting and/or replacing as part of my tune-up? Are my tires properly inflated and is there enough tread for safe/efficient performance? QUESTIONS TO ASK � � � � � � ARE YOU AWARE ? NEARLY SIX IN 10 PEOPLE CLAIM THEIR DRIVING BEHAVIOR HAS CHANGED DUE TO RISING GAS PRICES, WITH 90 PERCENT SAYING THEY DRIVE LESS AND 75 PERCENT REVEALING THAT THEY ARE BETTER MAINTAINING THEIR VEHICLES. Source: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association 24
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