Today, gas prices are high, no doubt about that. Fortunately, there are a number of things we as Mirage owners and drivers can do to make sure we get the most out of every gallon of gasoline we buy.
Some of these things are relatively simple, such as maintenance and tire inflation. Others are a somewhat more complex like engine work and tune-ups. All of them, however, are worthwhile.
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is a good way to improve fuel economy. Check the instructions that came with your tires. They will tell you the correct amount of pressure. You can also find this data on your Mirage itself. The owner's manual that came with the car will tell you where to look. Often the tire inflation data is both on a label near the spare tire and on the driver's side door.
For best fuel economy, check tire inflation about once a month. Doing so can potentially save you two miles per gallon of gas. Making sure your wheels are aligned and your tires are balanced properly will also improve fuel economy - as much as 20%.
Keeping your Mitsubishi Mirage tuned-up is another great way to save gas. Is your engine is running rough or does not seem to lack power? Now is the time to get your engine tuned-up. Today most tune-ups consist of basically changing the spark plugs. But also check the spark plug wires to make sure they are not corroded or cracked.
Another maintenance item that can help improve your fuel economy is to make sure your Mirage's fuel injectors are clean. You can have them cleaned professionally for a reasonable fee, but you can also add a solution to your fuel tank that will clean the injectors while you drive. Available for around $2.50, you can purchase fuel injector cleaner at any auto parts store, or online. Add the solution to an empty fuel tank, fill it with gas, and drive your Mirage until you have used up the tank of gas (and the injector cleaner). Do this every three months and you will find it is a simple way to improve engine performance and increase fuel economy.
Keeping your Mirage's air-intake filter clean can also help you get better fuel economy. Most manufacturers recommend that you replace the air intake filter every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you use your Mitsubishi Mirage in a dirty or dusty environment, you may have to replace this filter more often. A clean air-intake filter allows your Mirage's engine to "breathe." Subsequently this allows the motor to burn gas more efficiently. Any way you look at it, a clean air-intake filter is a smart investment.
Make sure your Mirage's oxygen sensor is working properly, too. The oxygen sensor tells your motor how much gas to send for consumption in the cylinders. If it is not working properly, it may send erroneous data to the engine, which could result in more fuel being burned than necessary Installing a new oxygen sensor can improve your fuel economy by as much as 15%.
Here's another tip: use synthetic motor oil. Synthetic oil reduces drag on your engine, allowing it to operate more efficiently. The result: you get improved fuel economy. Another benefit of using synthetic oil is improved engine performance. Your engine will run better at high speeds, in hot and cold weather, and when you are hauling and towing.
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