Most vehicle owners know that one of the most important aspects to look for in a car is its gas mileage – how far you can drive per litre of petrol. This isn’t just because reducing gasoline usage can help the environment, but also because it saves money and time at the pump. Over time, cars have become increasingly fuel-efficient, with hybrid models such as the Toyota Prius leading the way. However, there are ways for owners of other cars to check whether they are maximising their fuel efficiency, or whether their auto parts are actually causing them to get lower gas mileage.
What cars are most susceptible to car part breakdown that affects gas mileage?
All used car parts experience some amount of breakdown over time; however, some vehicles break down more quickly or completely than others, and it is these that experience the greatest amount of impact on their gas mileage, which goes down as car parts get older and more worn. Generally, Japanese car parts are built in a way that is better able to withstand breakdown, and as a result, they better protect the original gas mileage of the car. Car manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru are consistently rated as the most fuel-efficient vehicles around the world and much of this is due to the Japanese auto parts that they use.
What parts of a car should you keep an eye on to maintain efficiency?
Some auto parts require special attention, as they are more likely to break down and affect gas mileage than others. For example, keep an eye on your tires, as a flat tire will create drag on your car while still allowing your engine to guzzle gas, thus bringing down your mileage overall. Air filters are also worthy of attention, as they can especially impact the gas mileage on cars that are 10 years or older.
What should you look into replacing?
Parts such as the mass air flow sensor, air filter, and tires are easy to replace by yourself, while spark plugs and oxygen sensors are more suited to people with some experience handling car parts or should be done by an experienced mechanic. The replacements for most of these car parts can be found cheaply at Dodson’s Japanese Autospares, which makes replacing them yourself – as long as you feel comfortable – economically viable.