(NC)—Did you know that a well-maintained vehicle can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent*? Test your fuel knowledge to discover some useful tips to prolong the life of your engine and save a few dollars at the pump.
True or false?
1. All gasolines are the same.
2. Regular engine maintenance can help save you money on fuel.
3. Octane levels in fuel don’t make a difference.
4. Tire pressure can affect the fuel-efficiency of your vehicle.
5. The faster you drive, the faster you burn fuel.
Answers:
False. Gasoline choice plays a vital role in the cleanliness and performance of an engine. If you’ve been using lower-quality gasoline, there may be a build-up of “engine gunk,” which can negatively affect the engine performance. Protecting your engine from gunk is as simple as using high-quality gasoline.
2. True. Regular servicing and following the service recommendations for your vehicle, such as changing the air filter, spark plugs, engine oil and other fluids ensure optimum performance and fuel efficiency. A poorly maintained vehicle can boost fuel consumption by up to 15 percent* and increases emissions even more.
3. False. When a lower octane fuel is used in an engine designed for higher octane, engine knocking may occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Using the right octane for your engine ensures maximum fuel economy and fewer emissions.
4. True. Operating a vehicle with just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can increase vehicle fuel consumption by 4 percent*.
5. True. The faster you drive, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume to maintain speed. Reducing your speed to 90 km/h from 110 km/h saves up to 20 percent* of your fuel. *Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Auto$mart Thinking program
