If you want your vehicle to perform well and get the best fuel economy, you need to follow the maintenance practices and schedule in your owner's manual. An unmaintained vehicle will increase fuel consumption significantly and increase your emissions too! Proper maintenance will head off more serious problems before they become costly repairs, make your vehicle more reliable, and increase the resale value when it comes time to sell it.

With today's sophisticated engines and computer systems, you need to leave the servicing to a trained automotive professional. That doesn't mean that you should just ignore your vehicle between scheduled maintenance. There are a number of basic checks you can do yourself that improve fuel economy, no matter what your level of expertise.

1. Check your tire pressure monthly and before going on a long trip. Low tire pressure means increased rolling resistance and friction, costing you gas! 
2. Check your oil levels monthly and have it changed at the recommended intervals.  A low oil level in your engine increases friction in your engine and decreases fuel efficiency. 
3. Check your air filter regularly and change it as recommended in your owner's manual. A clogged air filter will reduce your engine's acceleration performance and result in increased fuel use in order to maintain it's previous performance level. 
4. Check the level of engine coolant (antifreeze) regularly and have the concentration of the coolant checked before winter. An engine running outside of its optimal temperature range will increase fuel consumption and engine wear.
5. Check for uneven wear on your tires. This could be a sign of improper wheel alignment or tire balancing which increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel efficiency. 
6. Check for cracked or split spark plug wires and have the ignition system serviced as recommended. If the wires are damaged, it will cause the engine to run inefficiently. 
7. Pay attention to your brakes. If they are squealing or grinding they need to inspected immediately to keep your vehicle safe. Brakes that are dragging increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
8. Pay attention and respond promptly to warning messages such as "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine." Ignoring these warnings can not only result in poor performance and increased fuel use, but also significant repair bills.