SAVING GAS

TIRE PRESSURE
Check pressures at least monthly and set tire pressures with tires ‘cold’ (do not drive more than a few miles before setting pressures). Tires heat up as they are driven. Set pressures to tire specifications – in your car manual or on driver’s door jam.

ENGINE AIR FILTER
Change air filter at least every 30,000 miles, preferably 15,000 miles.

ENGINE FUEL INJECTION SERVICE
Clean engine throttle body every 30,000 miles and consider adding a can of fuel injector cleaner to your fuel every few months. Many brand fuels contain fuel injection cleaner so you don’t have to add this separately.

NO WARMUP
Today’s cars to not need an engine warm up period. Just start and go slow.

STAY OFF THE BRAKES
Leave at least one car length of space per 10 mph of your speed in front of you, and anticipate traffic ahead of you. Don’t waste fuel by rushing up to a red light. Braking wastes gas and wears out your brakes.

SLOW DOWN
At speeds over 40 mph, fuel mileage decreases as speed increases.

LIGHTEN-UP
Don’t haul around unnecessary weight in your car. Empty trunk and remove excess items from your car. Less vehicle weight means higher gas mileage.

DIY/MISCELLANEOUS CAR TIPS

There are a number of services you can do that will save money – a few are listed here. Consult your owners manual for any maintenance you perform. If you have difficulty completing any task, please let us help you finish.

CLEAN OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
Detail your car yearly or at lest every two years. A clean vehicle will last longer and run better.

INSPECT ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Replace as necessary. Headlamps, taillights, turn signals, brake lights.

REPLACE CABIN AIR AND ENGINE AIR FILTERS

CHANGE OIL
Since most auto service facilities offer coupon oil changes, it is not too practical to change your own oil. If you choose to do so we will gladly accept your old oil filter and used oil for proper disposal. Please use gloves since used oil is a carcinogen and allow engine to cool before changing oil.

TOP OFF ALL UNDERHOOD FLUIDS
Be very cautious to use proper fluids in different under hood vehicle systems. The wrong fluid can destroy brakes and other mechanical systems.

REPLACE WIPER BLADES
If older than two years or if they are streaking.

CABIN AIR FILTERS
Most cars today have cabin air filters to filter out road dust and pollens. Improved air quality inside our vehicles is very important so we recommend changing these filters annually or at least every two years.

FIXING A FLAT
Flats are rare occurrences today and because of the potential hazards of changing a flat on the highway we do not recommend this procedure. It is imperative that you consult your owners manual for proper procedures related to your auto. Some vehicles have self leveling systems that can cause a vehicle to fall off a jack. Take caution when changing your tires.

AUTO SERVICE CONTRACT ‘CAUTION’
There seems to have been an explosion of companies offering contracts that promise to cover most if not all of your auto service needs. We have examined a number of ‘contracts’ and have concluded that they offer very limited coverage for the premiums charged. Some also have serious exclusions that all but precludes coverage. If you are considering one of these – read the fine print and be wary.

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