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Auto Repair Techniques to Improving Gas Mileage and Save Money

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How high can gas prices climb? Sometimes it seems like you’re standing at the craps table, rolling the dice. How much will you pay today? And where will you have to cut back in the next week in order to be able to afford it?

What if it didn’t have to be that way? What if your car functioned well and was as efficient as possible? You found easy ways to improve gas mileage, and it ultimately saved money every time you pulled up to the pump.

With proper auto repair techniques, you’ll know your car is in great condition, operating well, and working hard to save you money. 

But what auto repair techniques are we talking about? What can you do to keep all 30,000 parts on your vehicle in the best condition possible? 

Your car is an investment, and to keep it running smoothly, it’s essential to take care of it properly. Regular maintenance and repair work are crucial for ensuring your car’s longevity and performance. Here are five tips to keep your vehicle working better.

How servicing at regular intervals actually helps your car work better

Your vehicle has become one of the most expensive assets you own. That alone should give you ample reasons to take care of it. That’s why scheduling maintenance visits regularly is a crucial part of ownership.

Auto Repair Techniques to Improving Gas Mileage and Save Money

Regular car maintenance helps identify and fix potential issues before they become more serious problems. This proactive approach to vehicle maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road.

During a service, the motor oil and other fluids are checked and replaced if necessary. This helps to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently, improving performance and fuel economy.

Regular car maintenance helps to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. Worn brakes, worn tires, and other safety-critical components can be identified and replaced during a service visit, reducing the risk of accidents on the road.

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle by ensuring that it is functioning correctly and not subjected to excessive wear and tear. Performed regularly, it can also help maintain your vehicle’s resale value. A well-maintained car with a comprehensive service history is more attractive to potential buyers and is likely to command a higher price.

When is your next maintenance visit?

You’ve changed your oil filter – how about your air filter?

Some maintenance items are second nature. You might even have a sticker on your window reminding you when your next oil change should be.

The air filter is often forgotten. Yet it’s responsible for keeping debris, dust, and other contaminants out of the engine. A clean air filter “breathes” clean air. 

Over time, the air filter can become clogged, reducing air flow and negatively impacting performance. Replacing your air filter every 12,000 miles or as your car’s manufacturer recommends will help keep your engine breathing easier and working better.

Your dashboard is trying to tell you something

Your car’s dashboard is full of warning lights and gauges that provide you with important information about your vehicle’s performance. Pay attention to them and have your car checked if any warning lights appear. 

If the engine warning light comes on, it is typically a sign of a problem with the engine’s internal management system. It could be anything from a faulty sensor to a more serious issue with the engine itself.

If the oil pressure light comes on, it could indicate a problem with the engine’s oil system, such as low oil levels or a clogged oil filter. This can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed promptly.

If the battery warning light comes on, it could indicate that the charging system is not working properly. This could be due to a failing alternator, battery, or another charging system component.

If the tire pressure light comes on, it could indicate that one or more tires are under-inflated, which can impact handling and fuel efficiency.

If the brake warning light comes on, it could indicate a problem with the braking system, such as low brake fluid levels or worn down brake pads. This is a critical safety issue that should be addressed immediately.

See something else illuminated on your car’s dashboard? A quick stop at your mechanics will pinpoint the problem and reach a solution.

Using cruise control and monitoring your sensors

Cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, reducing fuel consumption and helping to prevent overuse of the accelerator. All of these can wear out the engine faster. 

Of course, real life means you’re often in positions where cruise control isn’t possible. You put your sensors through everyday stress, and rely on them to keep you, your car, and those around you safer. 

Have you noticed something a little “off?” A sensor that doesn’t seem to be up to top performance? 

Sensors are a part of modern technology. One issue can easily lead to bigger problems – you might not even be aware of it because of how technology works together. 

If you have identified issues with your vehicle’s performance, it’s more important than ever to dig deep and find the solution. Safety and efficiency depend on it.

Be good to your engine every time you drive

The way you drive can significantly impact your car’s performance. Avoid excessive idling, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, as these can strain the engine unnecessarily. 

Additionally, drive at a steady pace and avoid overloading your vehicle, as this can reduce fuel efficiency and put extra stress on the engine.

Stick with guidelines recommended by your car’s manufacturer

It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and repair. The manufacturer knows your car best and has specific guidelines to ensure its optimal performance. By following these guidelines, you can avoid costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your vehicle.

What auto repair techniques do you rely on?

Today’s car owners are keeping their vehicles for longer than ever before. Maybe it’s because of the price tag. Maybe it’s because of their reliability. 

Whatever the reason, the best way to get the most out of your car is to schedule regular maintenance and use techniques that will ensure a long life and efficiency every time you take it out for a drive. 

How can we help you get the most out of your car? 

Simple Ways to Improve Your Car’s Gas Mileage

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We all have our weekly routines. Run to the grocery store. Stop by the dry cleaners. Fill the car up with gas. 

And that’s when you notice the price of everything is going up, up, up! Especially gas. When did they get that high? 

You know you won’t be buying a new car any time soon. Those high-priced electric vehicles aren’t anywhere near your budget. But still, there has to be something you can do to improve your car’s gas mileage. 

There is. 

Ultimately, gas mileage is determined in the factory when your car was initially built. The aerodynamics of the body, the compression ratio in the engine, the type of motor oil you put into the engine – all of it was put into place with a specific outcome in mind. The original designers built your car’s make and model for a purpose. And with that came a gas mileage range you can hope to achieve. 

You can’t adjust aerodynamics. But you can change little things that will help you get the best mileage possible. Here’s what to do. 

Simple Ways to Improve Your Car’s Gas Mileage

Pay attention to your driving

This isn’t a tip to go zen in your driving skills. But there is something we can take away from mindful behavior. Slower, steadier driving behavior wins every time. 

Imagine for a second you’re in a rocketship. The countdown begins – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. You shoot away from the launching pad, picking up speed as you go. The amount of pressure is astounding. The amount of fuel and energy … Yeah, you see where this is going. 

When you pull away from a stoplight at the speed of a rocket, it takes energy. That equates to a lot of fuel. And when you do it repeatedly, that puts stress on your gas tank. More fuel is needed for this quick behavior, which means you’ll be filling up at the gas tank more, and watching your fuel bills continue to rise. 

It’s not just pulling off the starting line either. Aggressive driving means you speed up, slam on the brakes, and do it all over again. Stop/start driving needs more fuel. And that impacts your gas mileage. 

As you drive today, pay attention to your behavior. Change the radio station if you need calmness in your life. Use it to pull up on the gas pedal and leave more space between you and other cars. 

Keep your tires properly inflated

What do your tires have to do with better gas mileage? A lot. 

Think of all your tires do. They help you corner, stay moving straight ahead, and start and stop efficiently. They help provide a smooth, comfortable ride. They connect you to the road. 

Now imagine doing all that when the tire isn’t at its best. When it’s over or under-inflated. Tires are inflated and measured as psi – pounds per square inch. You can check your owner’s manual to find the perfect psi for your vehicle. A drop in psi, even by a few points, can lower fuel economy over time. 

Most cars come with tire monitoring systems to alert you when tires are outside the guidelines. Pull in and adjust tire pressure as soon as you’re alerted to a problem. 

Stick with pre-approved motor oil

One of car ownership’s most common maintenance items is regularly changing the motor oil. Guidelines suggest to do so about every 5,000 miles. 

Depending on what you watch or read, you may start to notice different types of motor oil, or products with added benefits. Should you believe them?

Who knows your vehicle best? The people that designed it. That’s why an owner’s manual came with your vehicle. It’s filled with lots of ways to ensure your car stays running at its best. 

You don’t need fillers and additives and performance products. Most of those were developed by companies looking to make profits. What you do need is to adhere to your manufacturer’s guidelines, and provide it with the care they suggest. Stick with the specific motor oil they recommend. Schedule oil changes as they suggest. A simple schedule is all it takes to keep your car running well. 

When was the last time you changed your air filter?

 Many car owners are guilty of ignoring the air filter. You can’t see an air filter. 

Yet it’s an important part of keeping your engine working well, and affecting your gas mileage. How? Your car’s engine operates with a combination of fuel and oxygen. Too much or too little of one or the other, and it throws off the delicate balance of how the engine runs. 

If an air filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder to draw in the required air supply for mixing with the fuel. More work puts more pressure on the system, lowering your fuel economy. 

When was the last time you changed your air filter? It’s one of the least expensive maintenance items you can do to keep your car running well. Statistics show it can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent. Say “yes” the next time you’re in for maintenance work if you can’t remember the last time it was replaced. 

Plan your trips wisely

The world has changed in the past few years. Maybe you’re working from home a little more. Maybe you’re planning out activities closer to home. 

That’s a good thing for your gas mileage. The less time you spend idling in traffic, the better your gas mileage. But there are other ways to impact your gas mileage too. 

Are you the type who runs out on errands every time you need something new? Forgot an onion – run to the store. There might be a better way. 

Instead of driving several times a day, can you combine all of your errands? Create a list of things you need and places to visit, then build them into your routine. Maybe it’s “errand Wednesday.” Or you stop by on your way home from work. 

There are many ways to add more to your drive time, and allow your engine to warm up and run more efficiently. It takes energy when you initiate a cold engine, especially during winter. If you can head out and keep your engine warm as you run around town, it’ll show up as increased gas mileage. 

How To Improve The Gas Mileage Of Your Pickup Truck

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When gas prices are low, how much you spend filling up your tank each week might not be of concern. But the higher the prices climb, the more aware you are of the vehicle you drive.

On average, today’s passenger vehicles get just over 24 miles per gallon. For light trucks, that number falls to 17.5.

That can be a big deal if you drive hundreds of miles each week. It can cut into your budget very quickly.

Yet a vehicle comes predisposed with limits to the mileage it can achieve. You can’t change that. Right?

Turns out, you can. If you’re looking for ways to improve the gas mileage of your pickup truck, read on.

Regular maintenance is key

Every bump you hit in the road, every mile you put on your pickup truck, every trip you take, adds to the wear and tear of your vehicle. Regular maintenance is the best way to counter problems that arise over time.

This includes getting the oil changed according to manufacturer’s guidelines. It also includes ensuring your tires are inflated to proper levels, and maintaining them so you aren’t driving on under-inflated or poor quality tires.

Check your owner’s manual for the ideal pressure for each tire. It’s also listed on the panel inside the driver’s door. Do not go beyond the maximum pressure, and ensure it doesn’t fall below minimum pressure as you drive. Especially in Colorado’s harsh driving conditions, both can put you at risk for blow-outs and flat tires.

Be aware of aerodynamics

How To Improve The Gas Mileage Of Your Pickup TruckPickup trucks are meant to haul. That’s why you bought your truck. It’s a workhorse, designed to help you do your job well.

Yet as you’re driving around each day, be aware of how you carry different loads. Would a bed cover help protect what’s inside? It might also provide better aerodynamics as you sail down the highway. Can you avoid roof racks and large items challenging the way you drive? Every item that changes the dynamics of your vehicle has the potential to reduce the way your truck moves.

Stop aggressive driving behavior

Traffic on Colorado roads can be crazy at times. How you approach each drive determines how many miles per gallon you’ll get with each tank of gas. Aggressive behavior means you consistently stop and go, apply the brakes, and waste gas.

Back off the person in front of you and learn to slow down and take it easy. Tailgating won’t get you where you’re going any faster, and it puts you and the cars around you at risk. When you can, use your cruise control to help remain at a constant speed. And slow down and respect speed limits, they are designed to help you achieve the highest gas mileage possible. Plus, it keeps your car safer, which means less risk of accidents and potential servicing issues.

Use the right gas

When manufacturers designed your pickup, they did so with optimal performance in mind. They build systems to accept certain types of oil, and specific types of gas. Don’t skimp on which fluids you select to put into your truck.

If the manufacturer suggests regular, it’s for a reason. Don’t add premium, assuming it will be better for your vehicle. If you select a reputable brand of gas rather than finding the cheapest in the city, you’re also ensuring the gas is high quality and contains additives designed to keep your truck running well.

Stop hauling extras

It’s a pickup truck; why not throw a few extra things in the back? A few sandbags for weight. A toolbox just in case. Pretty soon, you’ve added dozens of additional pounds to your vehicle, which ultimately takes more energy to move around town.

Your pickup came with suggested gas mileage ratings based on how it performs as designed. The more weight you add to it, especially unevenly as things are scattered around your truck, it can throw those averages off. Want an easy way to improve your gas mileage? Keep your truck bed clean.

Stop idling 

Most drivers would be amazed at the amount of time they spend idling in their vehicles. You sit on the highway in rush hour, you sit multiple cars deep, waiting for drive-thru service. Instead of spending minutes every day wasting your gas in this manner, pull into a parking spot and go inside instead. In many cases, you’ll be in and out faster, and you’ll save on gasoline in the process.

Plan your route

How many trips, on average, do you take each day? Do you leave your home or office multiple times, stopping by to pick things up, running errands, and driving just to stay busy? Driving multiple short trips each day cuts into your gas mileage.

Instead, plan your trips before you ever leave. Can you drive a loop, completing errands as you go? Can you put off certain trips until you have multiple things to do in one area? Can you create days where you run errands, and days where you stay and work from home or the office? This might even add to your productivity levels.

Pay attention to gauges

Today’s vehicles are more automated and technologically advanced than ever before. It’s easy to ignore those little icons as they light up on your dashboard, or the service messages that dance across your instrument panel. They are there for a reason.

Think of them as an extension of your to-do list. They are a gentle reminder that it’s time to give your pickup truck a little TLC.

Staying ahead of potential problems not only produces a more reliable vehicle, but it also extends the life of your truck.

Are you getting the best gas mileage possible with your pickup truck?

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