O’REILLY AUTOMOTIVE RECOMMENDS EASY

Springfield, MO, June 1, 2007 -- O’Reilly Auto Parts understands car care maintenance. Since fuel prices
reached all time highs this spring, we want to pass along some quick tips to attain the best mileage possible from
your vehicle.
Maintaining a consistent level of fuel economy happens in a variety of methods. While products that boast huge
gains in mileage can provide some savings, significant improvements in fuel economy can be achieved through
observing good driving habits and keeping your vehicle well maintained. Here are a few tips to help maintain
your vehicle to its optimum performance level.
- Air Filter – Changing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10% and should be done
annually and checked every time you change your oil. Don’t forget about your fuel filter and breather
filter, which also need to be changed annually.
- Spark Plugs – Worn spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 30%. Check your owner’s manual
for change intervals that will help improve vehicle performance and increase fuel mileage.
- Tire Inflation – Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your fuel economy up to one mile
per gallon. Under-inflated tires are not only a safety hazard but result in a significant reduction in
economy.
- Gas Cap – Around 17% of vehicles have either damaged, loose or missing fuel caps, which causes
fuel to evaporate and reduces mileage. Make sure your gas cap is tight after refueling and consider
purchasing a locking gas cap.
- Motor Oil Grade – Using the vehicle manufacturers’ recommended grade of motor oil could improve
your mileage up to 2%.
- O2 Sensor – Most vehicles produced since 1981 have one or more oxygen sensors. Replacing faulty
oxygen sensors can improve your mileage up to 40%.
- Check Engine Light – When illuminated, the Check Engine light could indicate a number of potential
problems that would negatively affect fuel economy. If your check engine light is on, it’s a good idea
to have a diagnostic check performed by a qualified technician.
- Aggressive Driving – Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking can lower your mileage more
than 30%. Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60
mph is like paying an additional $.10 per gallon.
- Excess Idling – Avoid excess idling. Your vehicle uses more fuel to idle than it does to restart the
engine. If you are stopping for an extended period of time, turn your engine off.
- Excess Weight – Heavier vehicles take more fuel to move. Clean out your vehicle and improve your
fuel economy.

Most of the items listed here can be done at little or no cost and they can save time, money and inconvenience.
Your owner’s manual is an excellent reference when performing maintenance on your vehicle. Periodically, your
vehicle should have a thorough inspection by a qualified technician.