Car Maintenance: How to Improve Mileage and Boost Efficiency

Regular Maintenance: The Foundation of Better Mileage

Change Your Oil on Time

Fresh engine oil reduces friction between moving parts, improving engine efficiency and preventing wear.

• Follow your manufacturer’s interval — usually every 5,000–7,500 miles for synthetic oil.
  
  
• Use the correct viscosity: Lighter grades (like 0W-20) often enhance fuel economy for modern engines.
  
  
• Fact: The U.S. DOE estimates that using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of oil can improve mileage by 1–2%.
  
  

Replace Air Filters

A clogged air filter makes your engine work harder.

• Replace every 12,000–15,000 miles, or more frequently in dusty areas.
  
  
• A clean filter can boost acceleration by 6–11%, according to research from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
  
  

Check Tire Pressure Monthly

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more fuel.

• Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and inflate to the PSI listed on your door jamb sticker, not the tire’s sidewall.
  
  
• Underinflation by 10 PSI can reduce fuel economy by up to 2% and shorten tire life by 10,000 miles.
  
  

Keep the Engine Tuned

Small components like spark plugs, sensors, and injectors can quietly drain fuel efficiency when worn or dirty.

• Replace spark plugs every 30,000–60,000 miles.
  
  
• Clean fuel injectors periodically for proper combustion.
  
  
• A misfiring engine can reduce fuel economy by as much as 30%.
  
  

Smart Driving Habits That Pay Off

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Fast acceleration and hard braking waste fuel.

• Smooth, steady acceleration can improve mileage by 10–40% in city driving, according to EPA.gov.
  
  
• Drive like there’s an egg under your gas pedal gentle pressure goes further.
  
  

Maintain a Steady Speed

Cruise control isn’t just for comfort, it’s an efficiency tool.

• Use it on highways to keep RPM consistent.
  
  
• On hilly terrain, disable it to prevent unnecessary downshifting and revving.
  
  

Limit Idling

Modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling for long periods.

• If stopped more than 60 seconds, turn off the engine.
  
  
• Idling for 10 minutes can burn a quarter gallon of gas about $1 at current prices.
  
  

Use Air Conditioning Wisely

The AC compressor draws engine power.

• At low speeds, open windows.
  
  
• At highway speeds, use AC moderately since open windows increase drag.
  
  
• Park in shaded areas or use a sunshade to reduce the cabin heat load.
  
  

Reducing Weight and Drag

Lighten the Load

Every 100 pounds adds roughly 1% less fuel efficiency.

• Remove roof racks when not in use.
  
  
• Empty the trunk of tools, equipment, or golf clubs you don’t need daily.
  
  

Streamline the Vehicle

• Keep windows closed at high speeds.
  
  
• Avoid decorative add-ons that disrupt aerodynamics.
  
  
• Consider using low-rolling-resistance tires—they can improve economy by up to 4%.
  
  

Advanced Maintenance for Long-Term Efficiency

Inspect the Oxygen Sensor

A faulty O₂ sensor can cause poor air-fuel mixture, slashing mileage by up to 40%.

• Replace every 60,000–90,000 miles, depending on your model.
  
  
• Many modern cars display a Check Engine Light if the sensor fails.
  
  

Check Wheel Alignment

Poor alignment increases rolling resistance.

• If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates, get an alignment check.
  
  
• Realignment can restore up to 10% fuel efficiency.
  
  

Fuel Injector Cleaning

Over time, injectors clog from carbon deposits.

• Use fuel system cleaner additives every few thousand miles or have injectors professionally cleaned.