Author: Vince Platania Article: Many mechanics report that the question they have been asked the most often in the past few months is ‘what can I do to my engine to improve gas mileage”. Since fuel prices have skyrocketed, and no clear ceiling seems to be in sight, more and more drivers are looking for ways to improve their fuel economy situation. While it might be depressing to look at the total on the fuel pump after you have filled your tank, there are some things you can do to make sure that you are getting the most out of your engine. To begin with, maintenance is key. A few simple steps regarding the upkeep of your engine can go a long way towards lowering the amount of gas that it uses. One of the first things to check is your motor’s air filter. The air filter is located in or at the front of the plastic tube that feeds air to your car’s intake. This filter is made of paper, and it is designed to keep particles of dirt and dust from making their way inside the engine, where they could cause damage. Eventually, this filter becomes clogged with all of the debris that it has been protecting your motor from, and when this happens, it is no longer effective at letting air pass through. This causes the efficiency of the engine to drop, using more fuel and lowering the power being generated. Regular filter replacement can help you maintain strong fuel economy. By the same token, fuel filter replacement is also something that needs to be done regularly. Some cars have more than one fuel filter, and they are usually located in the engine bay and / or at the fuel tank where the gas lines emerge. These filters keep out any gunk, particles of metal or dirt that may be sitting in your tank. Like the air filter, they eventually get blocked by these materials, and when that happens, the engine can get starved for fuel, causing a similar drop in fuel mileage. Finally, regular oil changes are key, but there are other fluids in your vehicle as well which need some attention. Using a synthetic transmission fluid allows you to take advantage of the excellent viscosity and protection of synthetic lubricants compared to petroleum-based fluids. Especially during initial operation, the reduced low-temperature friction in your gearbox will help increase your fuel mileage while simultaneously reducing wear on crucial components. So the next time someone asks you “what can I do to my engine to improve gas mileage”, you’ll know exactly what to tell them. About the author: For over 25 years Vincent Platania has been marketing, consulting and formulating high performance lubricants. Source for AMSOIL, the World's Best Synthetic Motor Oils and Filters Visit http://www.synthetic-motor-oils.com