The Neighbourhood Mechanic: Time for a diagnostic?
Green cars just didn't happen. Actually environmental awareness started way back in 1962. An environmentalist named Rachel Carson wrote a book about the environmental harm caused by the over usage of DDT as a pesticide. This new environmental awareness spurred governments to legislate minimal emissions standards. These standards included cars, which were identified as the main cause of CO2 emissions. We should note car companies fought this legislation at every turn. It wasn't until 1974 that we finally saw emissions equipment installed on the average car. Soon manufacturers discovered the emissions limitations of the carbureted engine. This lead to the development of the computerized fuel systems we use today. Surprise, the engines ran cleaner, stayed in tune, were more reliable, gave good fuel mileage and performed. There is a down side. These systems are complicated. Servicing is not a simple process. It requires training and equipment. If your car is acting up seek out a professional, equipped with the “right stuff” and the knowledge to use it.
Q. I have over 300,000 kms on my Hyundai. Lately I notice that the fuel economy is poor in the cold weather. It's either running rich or it might be time to replace the spark plugs. The plugs have about 45,000 clicks on them. The air filter doesn't look to bad, three years old. Would the replacement of these two items improve my mileage or should it be run through the electronic tester? Much appreciated if you can advise?
A. Interesting question. Actually you have partially answered your own question. Throwing parts at the car and hoping for results is time consuming, expensive and frustrating. All cars will use more fuel in the winter. We can best explain this as fighting the cold. Everything that moves is stiff. The tires are resisting movement, the engine is trying to stay warm and the computer is making cold weather adjustments. Yes, upgrading wear items will improve your fuel economy. However, start with a good engine diagnostic first. Best bet here is to have the vehicle scanned and properly diagnosed.
Q. I have over 300,000 kms on my Hyundai. Lately I notice that the fuel economy is poor in the cold weather. It's either running rich or it might be time to replace the spark plugs. The plugs have about 45,000 clicks on them. The air filter doesn't look to bad, three years old. Would the replacement of these two items improve my mileage or should it be run through the electronic tester? Much appreciated if you can advise?
A. Interesting question. Actually you have partially answered your own question. Throwing parts at the car and hoping for results is time consuming, expensive and frustrating. All cars will use more fuel in the winter. We can best explain this as fighting the cold. Everything that moves is stiff. The tires are resisting movement, the engine is trying to stay warm and the computer is making cold weather adjustments. Yes, upgrading wear items will improve your fuel economy. However, start with a good engine diagnostic first. Best bet here is to have the vehicle scanned and properly diagnosed.
