Consumer
wallets have been hit hard by this year’s record-high gas
prices. But there is a quick way for drivers to help improve their
fuel economy — by changing their dirty air filters. In fact, the
EPA reports that changing a clogged filter can save as much as 15
cents per gallon of gas. FRAM®, a leader
in filtration products for more than 70 years, calls this simple
maintenance procedure “The 12,000-Mile Tune-Up” —
the proper air filter replacement interval that can lead to improved
vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, and less engine wear.
In a given year, light vehicles travel an average of nearly 12,000
miles(1). Yet each year only 40 percent of these vehicles have their
air filters replaced(2). As a result, Americans may be wasting untold
dollars worth of gasoline every day because simple and inexpensive
vehicle maintenance — like replacing air filters at proper
intervals — is neglected(3).
“Our calculations show that motorists are driving an average
of nearly 29,000 miles before changing their air filters,”
said Kelley O’Donnell, FRAM product manager. “This is
far too long. Engines can become susceptible to increased wear and
potential damage, while acceleration, horsepower and overall performance
can be reduced.”
Vehicle engines run on mixtures of fuel and air — up to 12,000
gallons of air for each gallon of fuel. The air filter’s job
is to remove contaminants such as dirt particles, dust and debris
from the air before it enters the engine. When the filter becomes
clogged with debris, airflow is restricted causing the mixture to
be laden with too much fuel. Consequently, gas is wasted and the
engine loses power. In addition, damaging particles may bypass the
filter seal and be ingested into the engine.
“For an average of only $10 per filter, consumers can prevent
potential harm to their vehicles,” O’Donnell said.
“Using a new, clean filter will help restore lost performance.”
A quality product provides vehicles with solid protection and performance,
enabling engines to adequately "breathe" for improved
performance and fuel efficiency. Using a FRAM filter makes maintenance
simpler for consumers —its bright white fibers make it easier to
determine the filter’s cleanliness, while its new packaging
features straightforward information and diagrams to educate consumers
on “The 12,000-Mile Tune-Up.”
Neglecting a vehicle’s air filter can
contribute to reduced fuel efficiency, horsepower, acceleration
and overall performance, while potentially causing increased engine
wear. (CONTINUE...)
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