Clean Car for Good Gas Mileage

By: Marilyn Pokorney

In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips into
one there are many more ways you can increase gas mileage by
simply taking good care of your vehicle.

Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.

Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.

Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.

Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a car to
use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.

Maintain a clean catalytic converter.

Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.

Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as 40
percent.

Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.

Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.

Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and replace
them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas efficiency.

Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The wind
drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency by 5
percent.

Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every 100
pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.

For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a bed
cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas mileage by as
much as 15 percent.

When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud under
the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.

And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or nail
polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas tank. In
tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of the fuel line
went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone, if spilled, will
also eat the paint and finish on your vehicle.

For more information on keeping your car clean visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm

About the author:
Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals
and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net