European Auto Repair Experts  in Absecon, NJ Since 1983

Well, European import car and truck owners, drivers, and enthusiasts of South Jersey, it looks like gas prices may be going back up again! If you've got Summer plans that include significant driving, that's never happy news. BUT, we'd like to pass along any information that might be help you get the best fuel economy, so let's revisit something we've discussed before: how to improve your gas mileage. We've got a few points we want to mention. 1. Continue using the Top-Tier fuels that have higher octanes as well as detergent additives that will help keep your engine clean. This DOES improve fuel economy in the long run and will also keep you running cleaner. Top Tier gas vendors include the well-known brands like Exxon, Chevron, Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Phillips 66, and Conoco as well as more local vendors such as Costco Wholesale and QuikTrip (QT). Go for the "Premium" fuel with an octane rating of 91. These fuels are better suited for the higher compressions of European engines, whereas lower quality fuels may prematurely ignite, leading to "knocks". 2. Always be mindful of tire pressures and alignment. Underinflated tires and misaligned wheels are "stealthy thieves" of gas mileage as they create rolling inertial drag forces that your car will have to overcome by working harder....and that means buring more gasoline. Making a habit of routinely checking your tire pressures is recommended, and, if you notice any pulling to your car to one side or the other or if your steering wheel is noticeably off-center, these are indications that some alignment work is needed. 3. Make sure your engine air filter isn't clogged or in need of replacement. If your car is struggling to "breath", you can't expect your fuel economy to be optimal. A lot depends on achieving the proper air:fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel, and, obviously, proper air flow is an essential part of that. 4. If your fuel economy isn't what it used to be, faulty oxygen sensors or a bad Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF sensor) could be causing your car to "run rich", meaning your air:fuel ratio is skewed towards greater fuel consumption. These sensors work with your car's ECU to maintain the air:fuel ratio, and, when they malfunction, the precision of this maintenance can be affected. 5. Worn or dirty spark plugs can make ignitions less efficient, wasting fuel. For Euro imports, you can reasonably expect spark plugs to last 30,000-60,000 miles, but you also need to be sure you're using the RIGHT spark plugs: platinum or iridium can handle the higher voltages and heat of Euro engines without degrading. 6. Make sure you're current on oil changes, and make sure you're using a high-performance, fully synthetic motor oil that can stand up to thermal breakdown and ensure optimal lubrication. Synthetics offer a few important advantages: they are engineered so that the oil molecules are more homogeneous in size and shape, meaning viscosity is improved relative to crude motor oils. 7. Roof racks and cargo boxes can create drag forces that require your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Think about minimizing those, if you can. If your car or truck isn't getting good gas mileage or if you're seeing steady decreases, give us a call at (609) 380-7577 or stop by our shop on the White Horse Pike in Absecon, NJ, and let our "A-Team" of experienced, ASE-certified technicians see where the problems may lie!