Golden Words - Maintain The Car, Sustain Fuel Economy!

 

As most Honda owners know, preventive car maintenance is key to running your vehicle smoothly and efficiently. You do so much to keep the exterior and interior of your car clean and well-maintained, but what about under the hood? The gas tank? The engine?

 

Your Honda car is a machine with many working parts, and like any machine, it needs regular tune-ups to stay in top condition. Luckily, you can do some things to keep your car running smoothly and improve fuel economy.

 

Here are the top five easy maintenance tips for better fuel economy.

 

1. Check Your Tires Regularly

One of the simplest things to improve your car's fuel economy is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

 

Under-inflated tires not only wear out faster but also require more fuel to keep them rolling. Check your car owner's manual for the correct tire pressure rating and check the pressure at least once a month.

 

2. Keep Your Engine Tuned

A car running well will use less fuel than one that isn't. Be sure to keep up with regularly scheduled tune-ups and change your oil every 5000 miles or according to the manufacturer's specifications, whichever comes first.

 

You can also save on fuel costs by using the recommended grade of motor oil for your car. Thicker oils tend to stress the engine and inadvertently lead to overheating & poor combustion. It's not a DIY thing to pick out the right oil for your car so best to leave it to a trusted mechanic to get it done right.

 

But remember - viscous rated oils for summers and thinner oils for winters!

 

3. Check and Replace Your Air Filter

A car's air filter keeps dirt and debris from entering the engine, which can cause costly damage.

 

A dirty air filter will make your engine work harder, using more fuel. So, if it's been a while since you've replaced your car's air filter, it's a good idea to do so.

 

4. Drive the Speed Limit

This one is pretty self-explanatory: the faster you drive, the more fuel your car will use. Speed limits are enforced both for safety & average fuel economy for drivers nationwide - it's smart to follow them.

 

If you want to improve your car's fuel economy, it's best to stick to the speed limit (or drive even slower, if possible).

5. Replace the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your car's engine. Over time, they can become fouled or damaged, which can cause your vehicle to run less efficiently.

 

If it's been a while since you've replaced your car's spark plugs, it's good to do so. You'll likely notice an improvement in your car's fuel economy.

 

DCH Honda Oxnard, serving Port Hueneme, CA, helps maintain your car. We have a Honda Service Center that offers auto services, repairs, maintenance, etc. We also have Honda Express Service that ensures customers can get in and out quickly in just 45 minutes.

 

Schedule an appointment today!