Performance enhancing products are used by car owners in an attempt to increase a car's overall fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, as well as to reduce fuel emissions. Some enhancements can also help to improve gas mileage.
Performance chips adjusting a car's stock settings through its on-board computer to optimize the "air/fuel ratio and ignition timing." This enables the engine to operate more efficiently by consuming less fuel while still producing more energy. There are two options for performance chips. A control module is hardwired directly to your vehicle's computer but runs independent of the vehicle operator. These models do not require any input from the driver. Power programmers are plugged into you car's OBDII port (found under the dashboard) and then unplugged when done. These models usually require the driver to input such information as the fuel used, and maintenance and modification history. Many chips are manufactured to operate with your higher grade or higher octane fuels. Read all the facts and warnings before using a chip.
Fuel system additives are intended mainly to keep your engine and engine parts clean. In doing so, they can help to restore your engine to its factory performance, as well as can lower emissions. Through a chemical called PBA (polybutene amine), the fuel additives can reach the fuel injector, carburetors, intake valves, and the car's combustion chambers to help rid them of deposits left over from using lower-grade fuel. These additives are inserted into your vehicle's gas tank prior to re-fueling your car. They should be used once every 3,000 miles.
Air intake systems replace a car's old or stock air intake by allowing more air to enter the engine. This may result in an increase in horsepower and overall increase in your car's gas mileage. Intakes are purchased as kits and some may require the consumer to replace piping. Typically, these kits are bolted to the vehicle frame for stability
Performance exhaust systems extract exhaust created by the engine and help to expel this exhaust as quickly and efficiently as possible. From the engine, exhaust is extracted to the car's manifold. You can include a "header" that will replace the existing manifold with one that can aid in ridding your car's exhaust even quicker. In doing so, this creates more power overall for your vehicle.
There are some more conventional methods to improve gas mileage. Proper scheduled maintenance, such as replacing the battery and having the engine periodically inspected can keep your motor running at full capacity. Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage. Under inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Use the correct grade of motor oil and change it frequently. By using the oil recommended by you vehicle manufacturer, you effectively improve your overall fuel economy.
