Suddenly, fuel costs are soaring, and motorists are increasingly
challenged to keep their vehicles in top running order to maximize fuel
economy -- and keep it that way. The key to this is proper vehicle
maintenance to ensure that every mile is driven at maximum vehicle
efficiency.
Good
driving habits and keeping your vehicle properly maintained can help
maximize gas mileage from almost any vehicle - and save you money.
"A
vehicle idling rough, performing sluggishly, stalling and sputtering,
and delivering poor gas mileage usually means vehicle maintenance has
been ignored, and a tune-up is very much in order," says Reid Smith,
Product Manager for Spark Plugs at Bosch. "There is less to tune in
today's vehicles, but you can start by installing a fresh set of
premium spark plugs and wires. A well-tuned engine delivers the best
balance of power and fuel economy".
Spark plug performance is absolutely vital to an engine's operation.
The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine, and this
produces the energy that moves a car. Over time and after thousands of
miles, spark plugs may begin to show wear between the electrodes. "This
wear increases stress on the ignition system and can prevent the spark
plug from igniting the air-fuel mixture efficiently, decreasing the
car's performance as well as gas mileage.
"Increasing
vehicle fuel efficiency is really a matter of extracting more energy on
the same amount of gas," Smith explains. "The better the spark, the
more efficiently the gas is burned - the more power there is to drive
the vehicle on the same amount of gas. Checking the plugs regularly and
replacing them when needed with superior spark plugs will almost always
improve the performance and fuel economy of a vehicle."
To meet the growing need and market demand for superior spark plugs,
automotive parts supplier Bosch has introduced its newest member of the
Bosch premium spark plug family - the Bosch Platinum IR Fusion, which
the company claims is the industry's only spark plug that combines
iridium and platinum in a patented fused fine wire center electrode
design.
"This
combination provides a more durable and long-lasting center electrode,
better heat dissipation, and lower, more stable ignition voltage
requirements," explains Smith. "It uses Bosch's exclusive surface air
gap technology and yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes to deliver better
performance."
Bosch claims the spark plug's four
yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes maximize the strength and longevity
of the spark. "When combined with nickel chromium, yttrium produces a
more stable alloy with significantly improved resistance to spark wear
from erosion and oxidation," Smith says. "It provides optimal access to
the air-fuel mixture and delivers the most efficient fuel combustion
for optimum horsepower. And the factory pre-set gap never requires
adjustment."
"Our durability tests confirm that the reduced gap
wear of the Bosch Platinum IR Fusion lowers the voltage requirement on
the ignition system, yielding better, more consistent performance and
longer service life," says Smith.
"This
plug provides the most powerful spark possible without increasing
voltage requirements, and offers greater fuel efficiency and excellent
performance under all driving conditions."
And check those
spark plug wires: Underhood heat really cooks the ignition wires and to
ensure peak, long-lasting engine efficiency, install fresh premium wire
sets, such as those from Bosch.
Oxygen Sensors, Filters Also Important to Vehicle Dependability & Efficiency
Another
very important aspect of proper vehicle maintenance is making sure all
the vehicle's oxygen sensors are operating properly. The oxygen sensor
measures the oxygen in the exhaust to determine if the correct air/fuel
ratio is being burned in the engine, and is crucial to efficient fuel
management and engine operations. When operating properly, the oxygen
sensor helps keep vehicle performance and fuel economy at their peak.
"Have
the oxygen sensor or sensors checked and, if worn out ,replaced with
the appropriate top-quality premium technology sensor, such as those
available from Bosch, the inventor of the automotive oxygen sensor.
This often improves fuel efficiency as well as driveability, especially
in older vehicles."
Oxygen sensors are subjected to intense
heat, severe cold, thermal shock, vibration, and the ravages of exhaust
and external contaminants - but they still are expected to function
properly for tens of thousands of miles. This is made possible by
engineering excellence and manufacturing precision. Quality definitely
counts, and sensors that go the distance are produced in plants such as
Bosch's facility in Anderson, South Carolina.
And by all means
oil and oil filter changes will help keep your vehicle engine clean. If
you regularly make short trips, drive in stop and go, dusty, or dirty
air conditions, or operate your vehicle under extended idle periods,
regular oil changes and oil filter replacement are your best
investment. The recommended Car Care Council service change interval is
every 3000 miles. Quality oil filters such as Bosch premium oil filters
trap contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine
unrestricted. Filters, including oil, air, fuel, and cabin are normal
wear items that should be regularly checked for replacement to help
maximize the longevity and fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Get more information on car care and maintenance at www.boschautoparts.com
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