Vehicle Tips with Jackson Brown Auto & Marine - Fighting fuel economy

There are many factors in a vehicle that will affect fuel economy such as the state of tune the motor is in, the transmission, tyres, brakes, wheel alignment, driving style and even having the air conditioning switched on. 

Filters and transmission

Simple things like replacing your filters (oil, air and fuel), engine oil, transmission fluid, spark plugs, keeping your tyre pressures correct, and checking fluid levels and conditions regularly will help you get extra mileage from your tank and prevent breakdowns, also saving you money. If your car has an automatic transmission, check the level and condition of the fluid. Most cars these days specify you check the transmision fluid level with the engine running and at operating temperature in park. There is only one colour it should be and that’s the original colour of bright red. 

We have a transmission flush machine at Jackson Brown Auto & Marine, if you are not sure if your transmission needs a fluid flush please call in and we will check it for you at no charge.

Your filters should be replaced periodically to keep the engine clean and reliable, oil filters every 10,000km or with every oil change, air filters around 50-60,000km. Depending on the conditions you drive in, the air filter will need replacing sooner. Fuel filter replacement intervals vary with the vehicle and are typically around 50,000km but can be up to 100,000km. 

Of course you know driving your car hard will make it use gas very quickly, but did you know that by driving at 80-100kph instead of 100-120kph you could reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%. 

Wheels and brakes

Another factor often overlooked is the wheel alignment. It is a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked every 12 months because it can and does go out over the course of a year with all the bumps, scrapes and general wear that occurs. The wheel alignment will ensure that all four wheels are in line and not dragging or ‘fighting’ each other as you travel down the road. It will also reduce tyre wear making your tyres last longer ultimately saving you money.

Having your brakes checked, cleaned and adjusted as part of you vehicle service will prevent them from sticking, which causes drag on the wheels and decreases fuel economy. It will also maintain your vehicles most important safety system.

Oxygen sensors

One of the main causes of excess fuel consumption we are seeing is a worn or faulty oxygen sensor; this sensor is in the exhaust and is one of the main sensors that the ECU (electronic control unit) uses to determine how much fuel to inject in to the engine. They are designed to last 100,000km so if your car has travelled more than this it is well worth getting it checked at your next service. Your mechanic will need a scan tool or scope to check this sensor properly; we have both these tools at Jackson Brown Auto & Marine. If you feel like your car is using excess fuel and would like it checked please contact us for an overview and pricing.

Well, these are just a few things that can effect fuel economy, we hope we have been able to inform and help you in this article, if you have any questions or comments you can email us at info@jacksonbrown.co.nz, call (09) 4314 814, or come see us at 194 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads.