22 articles in Car Maintenance
Degraded engine oil becomes thicker, less lubricating, and more resistant to flow — all of which increase internal friction and reduce fuel economy by measurable amounts.
Degraded automatic transmission fluid causes sluggish shifts, torque converter lockup problems, and measurable fuel economy loss. Fresh fluid restores smooth operation and efficiency.
An overheating or over-cooling engine runs less efficiently. Proper cooling system maintenance keeps the engine at the optimal operating temperature for maximum fuel economy.
A restrictive exhaust creates backpressure that robs power and forces the engine to work harder. Reducing backpressure can help MPG — but the details matter more than the marketing.
A sluggish or failed upstream oxygen sensor prevents the ECU from properly controlling the air-fuel ratio, causing chronic rich or lean conditions and significant MPG loss.
A contaminated mass airflow sensor reports incorrect airflow to the ECU, causing fuel trim errors and fuel economy loss. Cleaning it takes 15 minutes and costs $10.
The EGR valve recirculates exhaust gases back into the intake to reduce combustion temperatures and NOx emissions. When it sticks open or closed, fuel economy suffers significantly.
Carbon deposits on throttle body blades disrupt airflow patterns, cause rough idle, and reduce fuel economy. A 20-minute cleaning job can restore lost efficiency.
A failing catalytic converter creates backpressure, triggers O2 sensor faults, and can significantly reduce fuel economy. Here's how to diagnose and address converter problems.
A clogged PCV valve allows crankcase pressure to build up, forcing oil into the intake tract and causing a rich running condition. It's a $5 part that's often overlooked at 60,000-mile service.
A clogged fuel filter restricts flow to the injectors, reducing fuel pressure and causing lean misfires under load — directly impacting fuel economy and engine performance.
Misaligned wheels create rolling resistance as tires fight each other's direction of travel. This invisible drag constantly drains fuel economy without any obvious symptom beyond tire wear.
A comprehensive maintenance schedule combining standard manufacturer intervals with additional fuel-economy-focused services that keep your engine running at peak efficiency.
A slipping, cracking, or misaligned serpentine belt wastes power and reduces alternator efficiency — increasing the fuel cost of every electrical consumer including your HHO generator.
A healthy turbocharger delivers designed boost pressure efficiently. Neglected turbos suffer shaft wear, seal failure, and compressor surge — all of which hurt fuel economy.
A weak car battery forces the alternator to work harder to maintain charge, increasing fuel consumption — and the HHO system is especially sensitive to voltage sag from a failing battery.
Forced DPF regeneration wastes fuel and stresses the filter. HHO's soot reduction can extend regeneration intervals significantly, reducing both fuel waste and thermal stress.
Hydrogen's combustion properties make it a continuous combustion cleaner. Some HHO users report improved injector spray patterns and reduced deposits after months of use.
EFIE units modify the O₂ sensor signal but don't create additional physical stress on the sensor itself. Understanding the real causes of O₂ sensor failure helps you maintain optimal EFIE performance.
A restrictive air filter limits HHO's ability to contribute combustion enhancement by reducing total airflow. High-flow filters allow both more air and a higher HHO percentage.
A dirty throttle body with carbon buildup causes erratic idle and reduces airflow at small throttle openings. Cleaning it improves HHO system baseline performance.
Wider spark plug gaps provide a larger ignition kernel that lights HHO-enhanced fuel mixtures more reliably. But gap is limited by ignition system voltage capacity.