O'Reilly Auto Parts (NASDAQ: ORLY) understands
car care maintenance. Since fuel prices reached all-time highs this
spring, we want to pass along some quick tips to attain the best mileage
possible from your vehicle.
Maintaining a consistent level of fuel economy happens in a variety of
methods. While products that boast huge gains in mileage can provide
some savings, significant improvements in fuel economy can be achieved
through observing good driving habits and keeping your vehicle well
maintained. Here are a few tips to help maintain your vehicle to its
optimum performance level.
Air Filter ? Changing a dirty air filter can
improve gas mileage by up to 10% and should be done annually and
checked every time you change your oil. Don't
forget about your fuel filter and breather filter, which also need to
be changed annually.
Spark Plugs ? Worn spark plugs can reduce
fuel economy by up to 30%. Check your owner's
manual for change intervals that will help improve vehicle performance
and increase fuel mileage.
Tire Inflation ? Keeping your tires properly
inflated can improve your fuel economy up to one mile per gallon.
Under-inflated tires are not only a safety hazard but result in a
significant reduction in economy.
Gas Cap ? Around 17% of vehicles have either
damaged, loose or missing fuel caps, which causes fuel to evaporate
and reduces mileage. Make sure your gas cap is tight after refueling
and consider purchasing a locking gas cap.
Motor Oil Grade ? Using the vehicle
manufacturers' recommended grade of motor
oil could improve your mileage up to 2%.
O2 Sensor ? Most
vehicles produced since 1981 have one or more oxygen sensors.
Replacing faulty oxygen sensors can improve your mileage up to 40%.
Check Engine Light ? When illuminated, the
Check Engine light could indicate a number of potential problems that
would negatively affect fuel economy. If your check engine light is
on, it's a good idea to have a diagnostic
check performed by a qualified technician.
Aggressive Driving ? Speeding, rapid
acceleration and hard braking can lower your mileage more than 30%.
Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph
you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10 per gallon.
Excess Idling ? Avoid excess idling. Your
vehicle uses more fuel to idle than it does to restart the engine. If
you are stopping for an extended period of time, turn your engine off.
Excess Weight ? Heavier vehicles take more
fuel to move. Clean out your vehicle and improve your fuel economy.
Most of the items listed here can be done at little or no cost, and they
can save time, money and inconvenience. Your owner's
manual is an excellent reference when performing maintenance on your
vehicle. Periodically, your vehicle should have a thorough inspection by
a qualified technician. To find a technician in your local area, visit www.oreillyauto.com
and click on the Certified Auto Repair tab.
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of
the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools,
supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both
the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957
by the O'Reilly family, the Company operated
1,687 stores in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,
Wisconsin and Wyoming as of March 31, 2007.
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest American distributors of automotive parts. The products are sold under own brands (BesTest®, BrakeBest®, Cartek®, Import Direct®, MasterPro®, MicroGard®, Murray®, Omnispark®, O'Reilly Auto Parts®, Precision®, Power Torque®, Super Start®, Syntec® and Ultima®) and third-party brands (AC Delco, Armor All, Bosch, Castrol, Dorman, Fel-Pro, Gates Rubber, Lucas Oil, Mobil1, Monroe, Moog, Pennzoil, Prestone, Standard, STP, Turtle Wax, Valvoline, Wagner et Wix). The group's activity is primarily organized around 3 families of products:
- automotive parts: alternator, starters, water pumps, chassis parts, etc.;
- maintenance products: antifreeze, filters, etc.;
- accessories: primarily automotive carpets and seat covers.
At the end of 2022, the products were marketed through a network of 5,971 stores located in the United States (5,929) and Mexico (42).