Skip to content

How Regular Car Maintenance Improves Fuel Efficiency

Mechanic testing car battery

You may think your car is running fine and that you can delay the expense and time of scheduling a maintenance tune-up. However, maintaining your vehicle can pay for itself by maximizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. With the high cost of gas, a tune-up can help your car and your wallet. Here’s how.

Tune-Ups Optimize Engine Performance

An engine tune-up alone can increase the fuel economy of your car by up to four per cent. During a tune-up, a technician will inspect and may repair or replace things like the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, PVC valve, ignition components and computer diagnostics and clean the throttle and intake area for efficient fuel flow. It all adds up to an engine that operates more efficiently.

Tire Care Delivers Better Road Performance

Driving on poorly inflated tires reduces your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. When your tires are underinflated, more rubber makes contact with the road, so your car needs to work harder to move. Overinflating your tires creates too much pressure, making your tires more prone to bulging or blowing out on the highway.

Additionally, a wheel alignment ensures all your tires are working in synch in the same direction, further increasing fuel efficiency. An auto service technician can also look for uneven wear on your tires and perform a tire rotation if necessary. Properly inflated tires and aligned wheels can increase your fuel economy by as much as three per cent.

Fresh Oil Reduces Friction

The longer you drive your car without an oil change, the dirtier the oil becomes, reducing its lubricating properties. With old oil in your car, your engine will run hotter and burn more fuel. Changing your oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations can improve your car’s efficiency by up to four per cent.

Clean Air Filters Prevent Engine Damage

Depending on the make and model of your car, replacing your dirty air filter with a clean one can immediately increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 10 per cent. A clean air filter also prolongs your engine’s lifespan by keeping out dust and other contaminants.

Car Maintenance Tune-Ups in British Columbia And Alberta

At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, our technicians are trained to spot the issues that reduce efficiency. We’ll make the adjustments and repairs to return your vehicle to its peak performance and maximize its fuel efficiency. Visit one of our many locations throughout British Columbia for a car maintenance tune-up or make an appointment online.

MINIT-TUNE BLOG

Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres Address Common Issues

Here at Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres in British Columbia, we’re always pleased to help our customers get the most out of their cars and trucks. To that end, we’ll add a relevant blog topic from time to time to keep you up to date and getting the most out of your vehicle.