Spring Cleaning
July 7, 2017
Auto Pilot
July 7, 2017
By Holly
We love our vehicles. We name them, spend ample time in them, we trust them to get us where we want to go. When it comes down to it, your car works hard for you! Why not treat it with the TLC it needs to run optimally for you? What does that look like? I’ll share some basic car tips that you can apply to your vehicle that will help you enjoy your car even longer.
Engine A properly functioning engine is key in vehicle maintenance. Make sure that if any lights come on that require attention to your engine, to get it checked out quickly. It may seem insignificant, but any part that is out of working order may cause further stress or strain on other parts and may end up costing you more in the long run.
Your tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road. It is imperative that you know the condition of your tires. A worn down tread or a flat or low tire can be especially dangerous. Either can cause a tire to blow unexpectedly. Or in the case of inclement weather, a “bald” tire doesn’t have the traction needed to maintain good traction and can create sliding and slipping and result in accidents.
AC Air Conditioning units should be checked every year for proper fluid levels and leaks. An air conditioner should always be serviced by a certified technician. Gases can leak and enter the environment that are toxic and in order to prevent this, a qualified AC tech should be handling the repairs.
Watch your Speed Every vehicle operates optimally at different speeds, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to know where your vehicle stands. Driving over 50 mph in most vehicles begins to negatively affect the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. It may cost as much as $0.15 extra per gallon! Minding speed laws is also safer for you and other drivers. Other tips to remember are not to accelerate too rapidly and to come to a stop with ease. Slamming breaks and the gas pedal will zap the gasoline right from your tank and give you little in return.
Idling It is very tempting to allow your vehicle to sit for 15 minutes on a cold winter morning to allow it to warm up. However this is a waste of gas and besides warming up your seats, there is no other real benefit. The engine, once moving, will produce heat quickly and you won’t waste gas in the mean time.
Get rid of Excess Weight Our vehicles are our “home on the road”. It’s easy to build a collection of items that can be stored or “just in case” tools, but that extra weight can really slow you down; especially if you are in a smaller vehicle. While you may need your tools for your job, any non-necessary heavy items should not be stored in your vehicle. Doing so can slow you down and you can decrease fuel efficiency.
By taking these tips into consideration you will be able to help not only extend the life of your beloved “Jenny” but also help you save a few dollars as well. For more tips about how to care for your vehicle or to talk to a service technician, go to wowwwoodys.com and click on Parts and Service!
