The last thing we want is for our vehicles to work harder than they have to . . . it’s just throwing money down the drain.

For example, the performance of a spark plug is directly related to how much fuel is being consumed. Research shows that old, worn and dirty spark plugs are prone to misfires, reducing fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

When changing spark plugs, consider upgrading to ones that provide a faster, more efficient burn. Autolite XP Xtreme Performance® spark plugs ignite the gas and air mixture inside the cylinders more efficiently, resulting in improved throttle response and acceleration. This, in turn, helps improve fuel efficiency, thereby saving money for consumers.

Another way to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy is by changing a clogged air filter. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that replacing a clogged air filter can improve a car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

FRAM® air filters are an effective solution. Most FRAM air filters feature bright white fibers that make it easy to spot when a replacement may be necessary.

Research from Honeywell suggests that each motorist who changes their air filter when clogged saves about $173 in gas annually.

Finally, if a vehicle has intake valve and fuel injector deposits, the engine has to work harder to run. Using a fuel additive like Prestone® Complete Fuel System Cleaner every 4,000 miles helps improve acceleration and fuel economy by unclogging fuel injectors and cleaning intake valves and combustion chambers.

Clean fuel injectors help ensure more complete combustion and maximum fuel benefit.

Maintaining vehicles with good quality spark plugs and air filters in addition to utilizing a fuel additive can help consumers increase their vehicle’s fuel economy. For more information and gas-savings tips, motorists can log on to www.honeywellcpg.com.