Performance means different things to different people. When considering a cars performance, some people think of speed, some agility, and others efficiency. Here are a few inexpensive methods for increasing your cars performance in each of these arenas. Tires Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the ground. If they aren’t properly inflated, your cars performance suffers. Insufficiently inflated tires have an increased drag. This negatively affects your cars gas mileage as well as cornering ability. A tire without enough air will also wear out more quickly than one with the proper pressure. This method is more than free, so take heed. Intake If your car can breathe or aspirate more efficiently, there is potential for a gain in performance. The paper filter that probably came in your vehicle was limited from its conception. It gets dirty quickly, is only moderately capable of catching small particles, and is essentially choking your engine. High performance cloth filters are available that are oiled and reusable. A good cloth filter normally costs between 40 and 60 dollars, as opposed to about 10 for a paper filter. However, a nice filter, such as the filters made by K&N, will increase your gas milage by about 10% (they claim more). It will also provide a nice little horsepower boost. These types of filters are also washable and reusable for up to 100,000 miles. Conversely, a paper filter should really be replaced after about 10,000 miles; they cannot be cleaned or reused. Exhaust After you’ve tended to how easily your car can inhale, further performance can be squeezed by tending to its exhale, or exhaust. Stock mufflers are restrictive as their primary purpose is to muffle sound and restrict emissions. If you’re willing to put up with a little more noise, an after market muffler or glasspack (louder) can be purchases and installed for as little as a hundred dollars. Of course, this market is quite large and one can easily spend several hundred dollars on a performance muffle alone. Lubrication Oil comes in lots of different weights. For maximum performance, you should use the lightest weight oil recommended for your vehicle. Lot’s of shops purchase the middle weight oils in bulk and run them in every vehicle that comes through. This doesn’t hurt your engine in the least, but a lighter oil would be more efficient. Check your owners manual for which weights can be run in your model car or truck. Ask the shop specifically to use the lightest oil (smallest number) that your vehicle can operate with. Vehicle Weight Weight is inhibiting in all facets of performance. Do those golf clubs really need to ride around in your trunk? If it’s not bolted down, and you don’t need it everyday, get it out of your car. If you’re really serious about cutting vehicle weight, consider purchasing aluminum or magnesium wheels. You may be able to get a used set for as little as a couple hundred bucks, but it’s easy to spend thousands on wheels if you prefer something flashy. As you can see, there are several ways you can increase your cars performance without spending a lot of money. When browsing for products, don’t pay very much attention to gain in horsepower claims. While each of the methods we’ve talked will essentially boost horsepower, product claims are nearly always greatly exaggerated and sometimes downright fraudulent. Remember, be good to your ride, and she’ll be good to you. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil
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