The Top 10 Used Car Maintenance
Despite foiled email campaigns to boycott certain gas stations, gas prices are more out of control than Janet Jackson's weight. Before you start pumping regular octane in your turbocharged/high-comp motor, save money the smart way by doing the following 10:
10 Change your oil: Dirty lube or improper oil weights can reduce performance, impede engine operation, and reduce fuel economy by 2 percent.
09 Check your tire pressure: According to the US Dept of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3 percent.
08 Use the correct octane: If you are cursed (or is it blessed now?) with a low compression NA motor, save beaucoup bucks by using lower octane at the pumps.
07 Perform a wheel alignment: Along with tire pressure, improper alignment increases drag and friction during road contact, drawing more energy during operation.
06 Remove excess weight: Your life possessions don't belong in your car. Remove them and any annoying passengers and you can save up to 2 percent of gas per 100 lbs. While you're at it, Trimspa and hitting a treadmill couldn't hurt.
05 Change your spark plugs (cap and rotor): Like your draws, when your plugs get dirty and foul, it's time for a change. Swap them and your cap and rotor (for those with distributors) and you earn up to 4 percent in fuel economy.
04 Clean your injectors: Keep your injectors free and pulsing with cleaning additives such as Chevron's. While you're at it, change old fuel filters as well.
03 Change your air filter: Ever tried breathing through a Vaporub- and dirt-crusted air mask at a rave? Neither have we. Along the same lines, a dirty air filter can cost you an extra 10 percent in the wallet.
02 Check your O2 sensor: Here's an "O" face no one wants to see-faulty O2 sensors. Claiming up to an extra 40 percent of your fuel, buy yourself a new sensor or we'll be seeing your "O2" face the next time you reset your trip odometer.
01 Don't drive like a jackass: Of the nine, this is the only fix that won't cost you a dime. Also probably the hardest. Simply put, don't drive like a jackass. Resist the temptation to race every station wagon or SUV that "stages up" with you at the stoplight. Your lead foot is costing you 33 percent.