What maintenance steps should be followed to maximize fuel efficiency?

Having regular tune-ups and keeping tires properly inflated are essential maintenance steps that contribute significantly to maximizing fuel efficiency. Regular tune-ups ensure that the engine runs smoothly, optimizing its performance and ensuring that fuel is burned more efficiently. This includes checking the ignition system, replacing air filters, and ensuring fuel injectors are functioning appropriately.

Properly inflated tires play a critical role in fuel efficiency as well; under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which requires more energy (and therefore more fuel) to maintain speed. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure helps minimize resistance and improves overall fuel economy.

While checking the oil level is important for engine health, it alone does not directly impact fuel efficiency in the same way that tune-ups and tire maintenance do. Using high-octane fuel is generally unnecessary for most vehicles unless specified by the manufacturer, and may not significantly enhance fuel economy. Lastly, reducing speed under 40 MPH may not be a practical or safe solution for maximizing fuel efficiency and does not address vehicle maintenance. Thus, the combination of regular tune-ups and proper tire inflation is the most effective approach to improving fuel economy.