With the current price of gas on the rise again as we gear up for summer trips, an auto shop would like to offer a several tips to help you save a few dollars on your next visit to the gas station. By following these good-sense driving and vehicle maintenance tips, you will not only keep money in your wallet at the gas pump and help keep our environment clean, but also decrease the number of costly trips to an auto shop for major auto repairs.
Save dollars by:
- Replacing air filters as needed. A clogged air filter makes an engine work harder and the vehicle become less fuel efficient. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase your mileage by 10%.
- Practice good car care. Follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. Your car's performance depends on it.
- Regular oil changes. Don't put off a necessary oil change. Using the proper oil can be a 1-2% increase in mileage.
- Avoid idling. Turn the engine off if you have to sit more than a few minutes.
- Watch the speed limit. Driving over 60mph decreases fuel efficiency. It helps to use cruise control on long stretches of road to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
- Use lower octane fuel, if possible. Buy the lowest octane appropriate for your car. Pricey premium won't boost your fuel economy.
- Don't "top off" the tank. Overfilling wastes $$ on gas you won't use. Additional gas will slop and seep off.
- Tighten the gas cap. Gas will evaporate if it has an escape. A loose, missing, or damaged cap can cause you to lose up to 30 gals per year.
- Keep the correct air pressure in the tires. Underinflated tires create more resistance and make your engine work harder, reducing fuel mileage and tire life by as much as 15%. Proper tire inflation can increase mileage up to 3.3%.
- Keep your engine tuned-up. A poorly running engine can reduce your mileage by up to 4%, plus a misfiring spark plug can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by 30%.
- Eliminate drag. Make sure your wheels are in proper alignment, roof racks or bicycle racks removed when not being used, and the trunk empty of heavy items.
Need professional advice from an auto center about fuel efficiency in your vehicle? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Express Care Auto. Call 507-625-8005 today, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
With the current price of gas on the rise again as we gear up for summer trips, an auto shop would like to offer a several tips to help you save a few dollars on your next visit to the gas station. By following these good-sense driving and vehicle maintenance tips, you will not only keep money in your wallet at the gas pump and help keep our environment clean, but also decrease the number of costly trips to an auto shop for major auto repairs.
Save dollars by:
- Replacing air filters as needed. A clogged air filter makes an engine work harder and the vehicle become less fuel efficient. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase your mileage by 10%.
- Practice good car care. Follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. Your car's performance depends on it.
- Regular oil changes. Don't put off a necessary oil change. Using the proper oil can be a 1-2% increase in mileage.
- Avoid idling. Turn the engine off if you have to sit more than a few minutes.
- Watch the speed limit. Driving over 60mph decreases fuel efficiency. It helps to use cruise control on long stretches of road to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
- Use lower octane fuel, if possible. Buy the lowest octane appropriate for your car. Pricey premium won't boost your fuel economy.
- Don't "top off" the tank. Overfilling wastes $$ on gas you won't use. Additional gas will slop and seep off.
- Tighten the gas cap. Gas will evaporate if it has an escape. A loose, missing, or damaged cap can cause you to lose up to 30 gals per year.
- Keep the correct air pressure in the tires. Underinflated tires create more resistance and make your engine work harder, reducing fuel mileage and tire life by as much as 15%. Proper tire inflation can increase mileage up to 3.3%.
- Keep your engine tuned-up. A poorly running engine can reduce your mileage by up to 4%, plus a misfiring spark plug can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by 30%.
- Eliminate drag. Make sure your wheels are in proper alignment, roof racks or bicycle racks removed when not being used, and the trunk empty of heavy items.
Need professional advice from an auto center about fuel efficiency in your vehicle? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Express Care Auto. Call 507-625-8005 today, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
