Plug Wires, might be a dumb question... Options

[jwells]

My car has recently been only getting about 26-27 mpg when I drive in the city/highway, but still gets ~34 when it's highway only.

I'm thinking it might be the plug wires...on the wires it has "1996" My question is, is that the year those wires were made and most likely put on my car, or do they have "1996" because that's the year of car I have...

They still look okay, I guess, but I don't really know what to look for when wires go bad.

The plugs themselves are only about 25-30k old...so they should still be ok, I believe.



If it turns out the wires aren't the problem, and they say 1996 b/c thats the year car they're for, then any other ideas? The O2 sensor was replaced a couple months ago.

[Speedball-OD]

Plug wires have a minor role in fuel economy. If you had a problem with the wires, the engine would misfire or stumble at idle or under load. Besides, Toyota wires are really good. I've seen original wires w/ 150K+ miles on them, still going strong!! However...

Start with the basics: engine air filter and PCV valve. If both of those are okay, run some fuel injector cleaner through (STP makes a few that just pour in the tank). Otherwise I use an engine treatment that works really well. It's made by Automotive Restore Products. It's available at any local auto parts retailer. It's in a little silver can (easily recognized). Add that to the oil when you change it; it works like magic!! After that, check the throttle body. If it's dirty, clean it!!

After that....I'll have to agree that 26-27mpg is pretty good for a ten year old car!!



-Speed