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Keeping your vehicle in top
operating condition will save you fuel and money, reduce your long-term
maintenance costs and minimize harmful exhaust emissions. A
well-maintained vehicle is also more reliable and could be worth more
when you want to sell it.
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Read the owner's manual
carefully to become familiar with your vehicle's maintenance schedule
and requirements. Maintenance regimes vary widely from one vehicle to
another – the manufacturer of your vehicle knows best.
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It's usually best to leave the
servicing of your vehicle in the hands of trained automotive
professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and correct
problems and to put you on the road to safe, fuel-efficient driving.
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When purchasing motor oil,
look for a brand that is rated as being "Energy Conserving." Using the
lowest multigrade of oil recommended in your owner's manual can improve
the fuel efficiency of the engine, particularly when starting it cold.
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Virtually all of your
vehicle's mechanical systems can affect fuel efficiency if not properly
maintained. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for checking the
engine, cooling and ignition system, brakes, drivetrain and
emission-control system.
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Operating a vehicle with just
one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the
tire by 15 000 kilometres and increase the vehicle's fuel consumption by
4 percent. For improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety, give your
tires the attention they need.
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Your tires need special
attention during winter. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in
tires, which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush.
Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in
temperature.
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Head off problems that can
cost you fuel and money by performing a monthly check.
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A poorly maintained vehicle
can boost fuel consumption by up to 15 percent and greenhouse gas
emissions by even more.
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A clogged air filter can
increase fuel consumption by 10 percent.
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Under-inflated tires are
estimated to cost Canadian light-duty vehicle owners almost 643 million
litres of fuel annually. At $0.79 per litre for regular unleaded
gasoline, that amounts to more than $500 million a year in wasted fuel.
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Neglecting to replace worn-out
oil results in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and
possibly severe engine damage.
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A well-maintained vehicle is
more reliable and could be worth more when you want to sell it.