Autosonics Autobody & Collision

How To Save At Least 50 Cents A Gallon On Gasoline by Melvin Holloway

 Although there are many ways to save money at the gas pump, these are the seven steps you need to take to get the best results today.  If you follow all seven steps, you will actually notice a difference in your vehicle.  Most of all, you will notice that your trips to the gas station will begin to decline.  With gasoline prices rising by the day, and oil companies lining their pockets - you need the latest up-to-date information on the best techniques and products you can use today.

Step One. Change your oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), you can improve your gas mileage by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.

Step Two. Replace your air filter on a regular basis. If you were to replace a clogged air filter, then you can improve your car’s gas mileage by up to 10%. The purpose of the air filter is to keep impurities from damaging the engine interior. A clean air filter will not only save you money in the long term, but will also protect your engine.

Step Three. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. I know you may have heard this one before. You should not wait until you  have a flat tire before you care for them.  You can improve your gas mileage by around 3 % by just keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

Step Four. Turn off your engine if you anticipate a long wait. I have personally noticed how many people wait in their vehicle for long periods of time without turning off their vehicle. While this may seem simple, anyone can easily forget during the beautiful spring season. Additionally, having a busy day with so much on your mind can also cause you to be careless. If your child is using your vehicle, then I recommend that you enforce this rule. 

Step Five. Remove excess weight from your vehicle. Some people carry large unnecessary equipment in their back seat or trunk. You need to decide what is not needed for your trip.  If you plan on traveling long distance, then packing items on top of your vehicle should only be used as a last resort.  Items or equipment on top of a vehicle creates wind resistance which decreases fuel economy.

Step Six. Keep your engine tuned. If an engine is tuned according to the owner’s manual, then it is possible to increase the gas mileage by an average of 4 %. This depends on the repair and how well it’s done.  For example, fixing a serious maintenance problem such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40%. 

Step Seven. Use a fuel reformulator to help save hundreds of dollars per year. A Fuel reformulator is a nontoxic, nonhazardous substance that reduces fuel cost by producing a gain in mileage.  It reduces fuel consumption and non-combusted residues that an engine expels in the format of exhaust emissions, such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other harmful products of combustion. A fuel reformulator causes unused fuel to be saved in the gas tank, waiting to be used efficiently by the engine instead of being exhausted in the form of toxic emissions.                                                                                                                                     

These seven steps may seem minor, but when followed carefully and consistently, you will easily notice a difference in your vehicle performance and  gas mileage.  People at the gas station will wonder why you have a big smile on your face.

 Preventative car maintenance in summer months is not much different from what it takes to maintain cars in winter. In summer, you have to regularly check and maintain the mechanical components of the car to tackle the rigors of the hot summer conditions. The following tips on preventative car maintenance in summer assures you trouble less rides: 

The very first thing you need to take care is the cooling system. During the hotter months, the cooling system works more intensely to prevent overheating of the engine. For the mechanism to work effectively, the coolant and water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should measure to 50:50. 

The next point about preventative car maintenance in summer is tire pressure. Tire pressure is important in all contexts – irrespective of whether it is for speed or for safety reasons. If you need your car’s tires to last long and perform efficiently, you will need to inflate them properly. Properly pumped up tires help maintain the best possible contact with the road giving the vehicle steadiness and speed. Inflating tires improperly, on the other hand, leads problems like punctures.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the ideal air-pressure for your vehicle’s tire. Remember, summer heat causes the pressure within the tire to rise; hence, you will be required to check the air pressure when the tires are cold.   
 
The subsequent preventative measure for your car’s maintenance involves engine oil. The owner’s manual specifically mentions the best engine oil for your vehicle during hot summers. Yet, the general rule for engine oil necessitates you to use a little thick, viscous oil, which lubricates the integral parts of the engine.

Next in order of importance is the car’s battery. Car batteries hardly signal failure well ahead of time. It is advisable to leave all cares of car-batteries to professionals, especially in summertime when the excessive heat causes further damage to it. Changing your car battery every three years will save you a lot of trouble.

Beside these essential tips about preventative car maintenance in summer months, your cars need some lesser yet significant maintenance programs too. Replacing belts and hoses is one such car-care as is inspecting the wipers and wiper fluids. 

Round up your preventative car maintenance in summer time by placing an emergency kit including basic tools like flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. inside your car. With your car ready to budge, you can hoard some rations if you are really thinking of a long journey. Placing a first-aid kit in the car will make your journey 100% safe.