In 1985, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) accounted for only 2 percent of new vehicle sales. But by 2001, one in four new vehicles purchased was an SUV, according to The SUV Info Link Web site. With the prevalence of these large, gas-guzzling vehicles on the road today, more consumers are looking for ways to save money at the pump.
One quick and low-cost way for drivers to help improve their gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, based on U.S. Department of Energy calculations, is to simply change their vehicle's dirty air filter.
"To help protect your engine and keep it running at its best, it is important to properly service your vehicle's air filter," advised Susan Groom, leader of product engineering at FRAM. "Over time, the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris. This can restrict airflow to the engine, resulting in decreased performance and lower fuel efficiency."
SUVs and trucks are generally driven harder than passenger cars, and strenuous tasks such as driving in dirty or dusty road conditions, idling in stop-and-go traffic, and towing heavy loads can have an adverse impact on their engines. For this reason, AAA recommends checking your vehicle's air filter at least twice a year, and more often in dusty conditions.
Motorists can provide their SUV or truck with the ultimate engine protection by installing a premium-brand air filter developed specifically for their vehicle, such as the FRAM® Tough Guard® Premium Air Filter. Created to meet the tough driving conditions trucks and SUVs often encounter, this advanced filter boasts performance features such as a premium pre-oiled media that is designed for increased dirt-holding capacity. The oil helps attract and capture smaller dirt and dust particles that traditional dry paper filters can miss. Additionally, the filter's heavy-duty construction offers increased durability and greater integrity, and a "pleat lock" system on Flex Panel models allows consistent airflow and less restriction to help improve overall engine performance.
"A properly maintained air filter will not only enhance SUV and truck performance, but also contribute to savings at the pump," Groom noted.
