Auto maintenance is an important part of owning a vehicle, but many drivers think that they'll save themselves money if they skip the garage and try to ride out their vehicle as long as they can. Wrong. In addition to risking expensive car repairs, this strategy will also likely increase the fuel consumption in your vehicle, reports News Canada.
If you don't maintain your car, some parts may start to malfunction - but you may not realize it right away. A crucial part of fuel economy is the oxygen sensor. If this part is broken and you don't know it, you will be using a whopping 40 percent more fuel on average.
Even if your vehicle doesn't need a major repair, you still need to pay attention to your maintenance. A tune-up can replace things like air filters and spark plugs, and regular oil changes also help to improve fuel efficiency. A vehicle that is in rough shape from a maintenance standpoint can consume 15 percent more fuel than a car in pristine condition.
Tires are another area you need to pay attention to. A poorly inflated tire reduces fuel efficiency by about 4 percent, and it also reduces the life of that tire by about 10,000 miles. Fortunately, there are many tire stores around the country that offer great deals on replacements.