It’s obvious that certain vehicles consume more gasoline than others, but keeping the vehicle in top tune and cultivating smart driving habits can help get maximum gas mileage from almost any vehicle – highly important today with soaring fuel prices. And if a vehicle is running sluggishly, idling rough and delivering poor gas mileage, chances are a tune-up will improve the situation.

“Although there is less to tune in today’s vehicles, installing a fresh set of premium Bosch Platinum+4 spark plugs and premium spark plug wire sets will almost certainly deliver peak fuel efficiency, smoother acceleration and superior performance,” says Matt Hallis, technical support manager for Bosch. "The pure platinum center electrode and the ‘surface air gap’ technology in Platinum+4 spark plugs provide the most powerful spark possible without increasing voltage requirements, and offer greater fuel efficiency and excellent performance under all driving conditions."

And check those wires. Underhood heat really cooks the ignition wires, and to ensure peak, long-lasting engine efficiency, install fresh Bosch wire sets.

Another opportunity to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy is in replacing a worn-out oxygen sensor. "Check the oxygen sensor to see if it is working. Replacing a worn-out oxygen sensor with a Bosch premium technology sensor often improves fuel efficiency as well as driveability, especially in pre-1996 vehicles," Hallis said.

Changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles and installing premium quality oil filters prevents contaminants from building up in the engine, and help keep it performing efficiently. While the car is in the shop, change the air filter as well and make sure the tires are inflated to proper pressure – under-inflated tires will massacre fuel economy.

"And give your customers some tips on driving habits. The more stop-and-go driving a person does, the more fuel economy suffers, regardless of the vehicle driven," Hallis noted. "Motorists should plan their trips so they accomplish several ‘stops’ on a single run. Rather than driving back and forth, they should realize that the engine consumes maximum fuel during cold start and warm-up cycle."

Motorists today expect superior performance and efficiency in their vehicles, and Bosch premium products make it easier for the underhood technician to make sure customers get what they expect when they drive.

For additional information, visit www.boschusa.com.