5 Ways to Help Boost Your MPG!1. Frequently check the air pressure in your tires. The amount of pressure in your tires can have a substantial impact on the way your vehicle performs, not to mention an under-inflated or overinflated tire will wear out much more quickly. The proper tire pressure level for your vehicle can be found in several places: inside the owner's manual, printed on the tire placard sticker located inside either the driver-side door frame or inside the glove box, or denoted on the side of the tire themselves. Try and check tire pressure every time you stop for gas.
2. Stay on top of vehicle maintenance. By performing manufacturer recommended maintenance at certain mileage intervals it will help keep your vehicle in top running condition and help to avoid costly repairs down the road. Some major maintenance items include: oil changes, tune-ups, filter replacement (fuel and air), inspection of belts, hoses and other listed items, and transmission and radiator service. Your vehicle's specific maintenance intervals can be found in the owner's manual. When your car is running at it's best your engine's performance is boosted thus resulting in better gas mileage.
3. Check your driving style. Obey speed limits. Speeding up causes gas mileage to go down. Avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops and drive steadily. Don't 'punch' it when the light turns green and slow down when approaching an intersection. Aggressive driving wastes much more gas than does defensive driving (it's also much safer too). Remember not to ride the brakes as this will hurt gas mileage and wear out the brake pads much quicker. If equipped, using cruise control also significantly helps to save gas.
4. Don't idle your car. Contrary to popular belief, shutting off the motor and restarting it does not waste more gas than letting it idle. If you are going to be sitting for more than 1-2 minutes than shut it off.
5. Plan your trips wisely. Try to avoid driving during peak hours, steering clear of traffic jams and back-ups and crowded roads. Stop and go driving takes a substantial toll on your vehicle. This will also help save you a headache each day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
A: As a rule of thumb, rotate your tires with every oil change. Make sure to do it at least every other oil change.
Q: Why are my brakes squealing?
A: Brake squeal is usually due to the semi-metallic composition of the brake pad rubbing on the steel rotor and doesn't necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your brake system. However, squealing could be an indication of worn brake pads or some other brake related problem. If you are worried about your brakes squealing we provide free estimates and can tell you exactly what the problem is or isn't.
Q: Can I check if my belts need replaced myself? If so, what should I look for?
A: Checking to see if your belt needs replaced is easy. Get a flashlight and locate the belt. Sometimes there are several belts, so make sure to check them all individually. If the belt looks cracked, frayed, or glazed or feels stiff and brittle then it is time to replace it. However, not all belts show wear before they break. Check your vehicle's recommended maintenance guide to see when to replace it. Typically, modern day serpentine belts last around 50,000 miles and V-belts around 30,000 miles.
Q: Do I have to replace the timing belt in my vehicle?
A: The timing belt is a service item that should never be skipped. When a timing belt wears out and breaks it can have devastating effects on your motor. By trying to save money and not replacing your timing belt at the recommended interval you could be setting yourself up for a much larger repair bill in the future. It could be the difference between a couple hundred bucks to replace it or a couple thousand dollars for a new motor.
Q: Do you charge for estimates?
A: We provide free estimates to save you money. We might have to charge a Service Call Fee if your vehicle is located in one of the areas outside my 'Mileage Free Zone' to cover for gas expenses.