when i first bought my 95 se, it got incredible gas mileage... now i am only getting 275 miles to a tank... i have been using my ac a lot, but could this be the reason or do i have to do some tuning up... i have already changed the plugs and i am about to get an oil change, but i need some more tips...

 

How many miles on the car; what kind of driving do you do (mostly city?); does it run well; and is your exhaust (tailpipe) black with carbon); and how many gallons of gas do you normally buy for the 275 miles?

 

Change oil and filter, clean the TB and IACV, replace PCV valve, check tire pressures, use only premium gas, and try switching to a different gas (maybe the gas isn't that good). The new plugs are NGK right?

 

well... i am due for an oil and filter change, what are all the acronyms meaning...lol...i know what the pcv valve is, but the other ones?... oh, and im not sure what the plugs are, but they are the ones with four metal do-dads coming up over the top of them... by the way, thank you for the advice...<smile>

 

TB Cleaning: http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/517
IACV: Idle Air Control Valve - use the search feature http://forums.maxima.org/search.php

Also, change your fuel filter. Maxima's run best on NGK plugs (Platinums are $37 on eBay and coppers are about $2 each at Pey Boys or NAPA stores) - do it yourself guide http://www.vqpower.com/v2/modules.ph...howpage&pid=33

 

I usually run the good stuff in my car... especially since the mileage has dropped. I do a lot of short distance driving, since i live close to where i work. There are 109000 miles on the car, and there were 75000 miles when i got it. I think ur right when you say that i should change the fuel filter... i haven't done that in a while... Also, i was wonderin if i should go with synthetic oil when i change it, and what kind if so...? once again, thank you for ur replies!

 

Synthetic oil may help some, but if improved fuel economy is the sole basis for your decision to go with synthetics, then you might be disappointed. Every car is different, and reports/claims vary, but generally speaking folks can expect a ~5% improvement in fuel economy resulting from synthetic oil...that's a pretty nebulous statement, I know. In my opinion, the other benefits of synthetics (reduced wear, lower operating temps, high shear stability, resistance to chemical breakdown, etc) are more important...the added benefit of improved fuel economy is just icing on the cake.

 

thank you talkinghorse! fuel economy wasn't the only reason:P

 

AC kills your gas for local driving, get a tuneup, clean the throttle body, change your intake filter

 

ok... i have a frankencar and i heard that there is a kit to clean it with. i have been using my ac a lot lately...