alignment
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MikeMurphy
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Having proper alignment will decrease the rolling resistance and thus increase fuel efficiency. Start with running some high-octane pump gas, run the tank, get an alignment, and run another tank of high-octane pump. See if there is a diff. Of course it entirely depends on how much it is off by, which usually isnt much anyhow.
Alignments help with your mileage and the life of your tires. The way they help with mileage is that you're not having to fight the resistance associated with the parts gripping the road (toe in/out). Ex: get a cylindrical rubber thing and put a pencil or some other means of getting an axis of rotation (like a tire) through it. Try to run the rubber cylinder in various positions of toe \ or | or / relative to the ground being parallel to the vertical line. You'll find that it's easier to move in that direction with least amount of wear on the rubber cylinder versus the other two. Camber will wear out your tire on the edges (+ on the outermost part of the tire and reverse for -). This part will help with traction as your wheels are lined up to the road like they should be instead of having less surface area contacted with the ground.
Check Firestone/Wheelworks tire stores. They have a deal for lifetime alignments nationwide for $150 as long as you own the car. If you've aftermarket arms or lower your car, they will have to charge you some $ to have those parts put into spec (unless just lowered in which case they'll try their best to get it into spec but not guaranteed). Had mine for the year I've owned my car and I get my alignments done every 3 months versus every 6 months just because I can. Ha ha ha. Give it a shot.
Check Firestone/Wheelworks tire stores. They have a deal for lifetime alignments nationwide for $150 as long as you own the car. If you've aftermarket arms or lower your car, they will have to charge you some $ to have those parts put into spec (unless just lowered in which case they'll try their best to get it into spec but not guaranteed). Had mine for the year I've owned my car and I get my alignments done every 3 months versus every 6 months just because I can. Ha ha ha. Give it a shot.
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C-Kwik
- Moderator
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- Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2002 9:28 pm
- Car: 2013 Chevy Volt, 1991 Honda CRX DX
just to clarify, if your alignment is ok, then it will not help with your fuel economy. If there is a problem, then yes.
I'd do a tune-up, including new spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. Check the wear on your distibutor cap and rotor. Replace this if necessary. You can also try checking the engine ground straps to make sure the connections are good and clean. I've actually heard of some KA owners getting a significant improvement in gas mileage by doing this. Maybe run some injector/intake cleaner through the fuel system as well.
I'd do a tune-up, including new spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. Check the wear on your distibutor cap and rotor. Replace this if necessary. You can also try checking the engine ground straps to make sure the connections are good and clean. I've actually heard of some KA owners getting a significant improvement in gas mileage by doing this. Maybe run some injector/intake cleaner through the fuel system as well.