Take care of your vehicle
MAKE THIS PART OF YOUR CHECKLIST:
To reduce your fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, your vehicle must be well maintained. See your specialist regularly and don’t forget to perform a few simple inspections yourself.
Regular mechanical maintenance helps avoid excessive fuel consumption, extends the life of your vehicle, and gives you the assurance that you are driving a safer and less polluting car.
A 2010 study of 600 vehicles older than 6 years and older revealed much room for improvement. Here are a few of the study highlights:
A 2010 study of 600 vehicles older than 6 years and older revealed much room for improvement. Here are a few of the study highlights:
- 26% of the vehicles were in poor condition and 3% were in very poor condition;
- 25% of the vehicles were driven with the “check engine” light on;
- 17% of the vehicles had wheel alignment problems.
Mechanical components in poor condition included the air filter, the spark plugs, the antifreeze density, the oil level, the battery and the tire pressure.
MAKE THIS PART OF YOUR CHECKLIST:
- Adjust your tire pressure every month
Tire pressure has a major impact on tire wear, on the rolling resistance coefficient and on fuel consumption.
- Identify wheel alignment problems
Inadequate wheel alignment influences rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Have yours checked by a licensed mechanic.
- Have your vehicle checked if your “check engine” light stays on
The light generally indicates that the engine management computer has detected a malfunctioning fuel or emissions component or a system failure.
- Have your air filter and spark plugs checked regularly
An obstructed air filter hinders the optimal air-gas ratio needed for burning fuel, and dirty spark plugs lead to engine start misfires. Changing these relatively inexpensive parts will have positive impact on your fuel consumption.
- Get your engine oil changed
Oil that is dirty or ill-adapted to the season can increase your fuel consumption.
- Get your cooling system checked
Antifreeze that lacks the correct density and other cooling system problems will make it more difficult for your engine to reach its optimal operating temperature.
- Get your brakes checked
Brakes that constantly rub against the wheels (due to rust, for example) create resistance, which significantly increases fuel consumption.
Since so many problems can lead to excessive fuel consumption, regular mechanical inspections are a must. For further information on taking good care of your vehicle, visit the Be Car Care Aware Website.
