In 1985, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) accounted for only 2 percent of new vehicle sales. But by 2001, one in four new vehicles purchased was an SUV, according to The SUV Info Link Web site. With the prevalence of these large, gas-guzzling vehicles on the road today, more consumers are looking for ways to save money at the pump.
One quick and low-cost way for drivers to help improve their gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, based on U.S. Department of Energy calculations, is to simply change their vehicle’s dirty air filter.
“To help protect your engine and keep it running at its best, it is important to properly service your vehicle’s air filter,” advised Susan Groom, leader of product engineering at FRAM. “Over time, the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris. This can restrict airflow to the engine, resulting in decreased performance and lower fuel efficiency.”
SUVs and trucks are generally driven harder than passenger cars, and strenuous tasks such as driving in dirty or dusty road conditions, idling in stop-and-go traffic, and towing heavy loads can have an adverse impact on their engines. For this...