Q: I own a 1994 Toyota Camry V-6 and I’ve done all the regular steps to improve fuel economy. I’m also seeing about a 2 -3 mpg increase since using synthetic motor oil and a high-flow K&N air filter. Are there any other steps you would recommend to further improve my fuel economy? -- D.P., Chicago

A: D.P., one of my favorite web sites (www.fueleconomy.gov) has some good “Gas Mileage Tips”. They obviously mention keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount, but they don’t say anything about wheel alignment. Not only can a proper wheel alignment prolong the life of your tires, but it can also make sure you’re getting the most mpg. This has to do with rolling resistance. Poorly aligned wheels increase your car’s rolling resistance. So does improperly adjusted brakes that are too tight. So does carrying extra unneeded weight. So does driving fast. So slow down and drive the posted limit. Have your brakes and alignment checked if its been a while since they’ve been serviced.

Q: Please give me your opinion on the Pulstar Pulse spark plugs. They are very expensive and are supposed to improve performance and mileage. I have a 1988 Pontiac 6000. -- T.D., Palos Hills

A: T.D., I’ve never used the Pulstar spark plugs. But I do have an opinion when it comes to spark plugs. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe you should use the same type of spark plug that the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) installed from the factory. Over the years, I’ve seen all kinds of claims for one type of spark plug or another. I laugh when I see the claims that say, “Change your old plugs and see the improvements to performance and mileage with our new plugs.” Fact is, if you take out old worn-out spark plugs from your engine and replace them with any new plug from any brand (as long as they’re the correct application) you’ll see improvements regarding performance and mileage. Whenever I replace spark plugs on my cars I use the OEM plugs. The only time I’d consider something different would be if I was modifying the engine for racing applications.

Q: I recently bought my granddaughter a 1999 Saturn from a private party. The car looks and runs good. However, once she started driving it we noticed it has excessive oil consumption. There isn’t any smoke coming from the tailpipe but we have to add about two quarts of oil per week. Is there anything we can do, short of putting in a whole new engine, to reduce the oil consumption? -- J.N., Chicago

A: J.N., there probably isn’t much you can do without major surgery, but check to see if the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is working properly. With the engine running, there should be vacuum going to the PCV valve (mounted in the front of the valve cover). If the PCV valve looks old, you may want to try changing it. The PCV is the cheapest thing you can do, but the real culprit is probably worn valve guides and/or worn valve seals.

AutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician. If you have auto-related questions for Ira Siegel you can call and leave your questions at the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708-633-6839 or e-mail a question to Autoadvisr@aol.com.