Improve Fuel Economy by Replacing These 5 Car Parts During Your Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship

For today’s drivers, fuel economy has become more important than ever. Many people are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their autos and want to reduce emissions, while for others it is simply a matter of saving money, as rising gas prices make driving an inefficient car extremely costly.

Improving fuel economy can be a challenge with some vehicles, particularly older models, which may not have been built with cutting emissions in mind. Fortunately, auto mechanics learn a number of valuable servicing tips to boost efficiency during their training, which they can pass on to their customers. By making these simple service recommendations to customers, you can save them money in the long run, helping to attract repeat business for your shop as well as build loyalty.

1. Students Pursuing an Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Know The Value Of Tire Maintenance

Mechanics should encourage customers to check tire pressure monthly, as underinflated tires can cost drivers as much as 33 cents per gallon. Because tires provide traction and handling for a car, tire wear is also a factor and you should recommend that customers replace old tires as soon as possible. Ensuring a car’s wheel alignment is correct will also help improve efficiency.

2. Learn To Replace Air Filters During Your Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship

During their auto mechanic apprenticeship, students learn to recommend customers check their air filter regularly, and replace it once a year. Dirty air filters increase fuel usage by almost 10%, although this is much more of a problem in pre-1999 cars, as the onboard computers of newer models are able to detect the reduced airflow and reduce fuel accordingly.

3. Opting For A Career In Auto Body Repair? Spoilers Improve Fuel Efficiency

While those pursuing a career in auto body repair may not be able to service any engine components, they can still help customers reduce emissions by repairing or replacing broken or missing spoilers. Spoilers act as plastic air dams, redirecting air from the undercarriage of a car over the hood. This reduces drag and increases flow to the air conditioning condenser and radiator, which reduces the workload of the electrical system.

4. Servicing Oxygen Sensors Help Auto Mechanics Boost Fuel Efficiency

Oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen left in the exhaust to keep track of combustion levels. However, they degrade over time, which results in them sending faulty data to the onboard computer. When they fail completely, the ‘service engine soon’ indicator on a car will light up, but it is recommended that drivers replace the sensor before this happens, approximately every 160,000km.

5. Students Taking an Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Know To Change Spark Plugs Regularly

While spark plugs should last for 160,000km before needing replacements, they are 80 per cent worn during the last 40,000km, and incomplete combustion and engine misfires occur more regularly. Replacing spark plugs early can save a customer nearly $800 in wasted fuel.

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