Seven Ways to Fuel
Savings to Offset High Gas Prices
November 04, 2005 — By ENN
ATLANTA — With fuel prices continuing
to rise, NAPA AUTO PARTS recommends that consumers strategically invest
in seven short-term maintenance tactics to achieve long-term savings
from improved engine efficiency and fuel mileage. Specifically,
replacing air filters, fuel filters, oxygen sensors and spark plugs will
help boost fuel mileage. Further, using products such as octane
boosters, fuel system cleaners and locking gas caps can reduce costs at
the pump.
Octane boosters can act as a catalyst in the fuel that actually slow the
burn rate of the combustion, which allows fuel to burn more completely
in the engine cylinder. Using octane boosters increases the engine's
efficiency, thus saving fuel.
Fuel system cleaners help keep the entire system in top operating
condition by cleaning everything from the fuel tank to the combustion
chamber inside the engine. A complete fuel system cleaner contains
special solvents that help remove carbon build-up and keep internal
components in the engine operating efficiently. This tactic also reduces
fuel consumption.
Properly cleaning, maintaining and replacing air filters when necessary
will ensure better air flow through the entire engine system. This will
improve engine efficiency and will result in more power and better fuel
mileage.
"According to a recent EPA study, air filters can increase fuel mileage
by as much as 10 percent," said Michael Lavoie, the 2006 NAPA Technician
of the Year and owner of Lavoie's NAPA AutoCare Center in Haverhill, N.H.
"The EPA estimates the payback for replacing a clogged air filter may
amount to more than 22 cents per gallon based on current fuel prices."
When fuel filters become plugged, sensors signal a car's computer to
send more fuel into the engine, resulting in poor fuel economy, emission
testing failure and engine system wear. Regular cleaning of fuel filters
will help reduce consumption by not triggering the sensors.
Spark plugs are subjected to extreme conditions in the engine's
combustion chamber, which can result in the engine misfiring and
fouling. Replacing spark plugs at regular intervals will help keep the
engine operating at an optimum level, while improving fuel economy and
reduce emissions.
Oxygen sensors that are properly functioning are good for the
environment and can save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the life
of the sensor. Replacement intervals for oxygen sensors are similar to
those for spark plugs and range from 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles,
depending upon the type of sensor.
"U.S. Department of Energy studies and others have shown that replacing
worn oxygen sensors can increase fuel mileage by up to 40 percent,"
Lavoie said. "Almost all gasoline powered vehicles made after 1986 will
have at least one oxygen sensor, with those manufactured in 1996 or
later having at least two sensors."
Locking gas caps can contribute to fuel economy by preventing theft. Gas
caps are available that include a dual breakaway feature and reinforcing
ring that help deter thieves trying to steal fuel. If someone tries to
pry off the cap, the top of the cap will break away, leaving the cap
neck in the tank. This will deter even more determined thieves who are
unlikely to take the time needed to pry the neck from the tank. Car
owners can then retrieve the filler neck with pliers or a set of channel
locks using a counterclockwise turning motion. Caps are also available
that lock into the neck automatically, which save motorists time.
"With all of these products working together, motorists will be able to
maintain efficiently operating vehicles, which can result in reduced
fuel consumption and more money in their pockets," he said.
NAPA Auto Parts distributes parts, accessories, tools and equipment to
6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers
nationwide. For more information about NAPA and vehicle care, visit
www.napaautocare.com .
Source: Business Wire, NAPA Auto Parts
|