Cars are grossly inefficient. Just feel the heat coming off the engine. Lots of companies are trying to capitalize on this by creating snake oil products to boost MPG. I’ve tried the magnets and some other tools, only to be disappointed.

But what I have found that works is not gimmicky at all, but based on pure science – better spark plugs and better air filter.

If your engine can spark hotter, more fuel will burn (lots of exhaust is unburned fuel vapor). And that means more miles for every gallon.

Pulstar Spark Plugs Burn Hotter for better Gas Mileage

Pulstar Spark Plugs Burn Hotter for better Gas Mileage

Here is a nifty video showing the plug in action: Pulstar Spark Plug Test

I have tried splitfire and halo spark plugs in the past, only to find moderate success. But I recently ran across Pulstar Iridium spark plugs. The marketing touts a hotter burn from a better capacitor (iridium). The plugs are priced about 4 times more than other advanced plugs, but the premium material pays for itself in about 5 tanks of gas (or about 2 months). In my 2008 Subaru I have seen on average a 20 percent increase in gas mileage, reaching up to 30 percent when I drive 45 to 50 MPH. Of course, savings will vary by car.

Gas Milease, Horsepower and Torque Gains from Pulstar Spark Plug

Gas Milease, Horsepower and Torque Gains from Pulstar Spark Plug

I also run a permanent air filter from KN. I’ve forked over the $35 on my last four cars and trucks only to see a consistent MPG increase. Like the spark plugs, its a one time cost and pays for itself in a matter of months (not to mention, no more disposable air filters).

Both products provide greater torque and horsepower too.

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CarMDAt just under $100, this little tool can help you troubleshoot a “check engine light” problem without going to the mechanic…saving you from an overpriced repair estimate and paying for itself in as little as one repair!

I’ve owned the CarMD for several years now and use it every time a check engine light comes on…for both of my cars…before calling a mechanic. You can even use it to “presmog check” your car or check out a used car before buying.

It’s super simple: order the unit, create your online account, plug the unit into the port under your dash (all cars made after 1996 have this), start up the car, wait for the beep, shut off the car, plug your CarMD into your USB connector, click open. You’ll need the car’s VIN number for your account (CarMD supports multiple vehicles per unit). When logging in, select the car which you just plugged into. CarMD feeds the data to the web site which immediately translates your check engine light code into understandable jargon – “Fuel pump needs replacing”. Best of all, CarMD also provides a cost estimate for this repair for this vehicle, so you know what to expect when you go the repair shop.

Occassionally, the engine error isn’t found in the CarMD database and the CarMD people need to view the error and provide you a custom report. This can take a day or two, but is rare – this only happened once.

You’re limited to three vehicles and up to six reports per month. But if you plan to go over that, maybe it’s time for a new car. There are no monthly fees either.

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