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Car Smarts
Fuel Saving Tips
- Drive less and save more by planning ahead. Make a list and plan weekly errands based on destination and timing. Always take the shortest route and when possible, avoid driving during rush hour.
- Carpool with coworkers who live in your neighborhood. This not only saves gas, it reduces wear and tear on your car.
- Go the speed limit or slower; the faster you drive the more fuel your car requires.
- Drive with steady hands and steady feet. The smooth operation of your car actually impacts fuel usage.
- Idling cars waste fuel. Most cars today are fuel injected, which means it's not necessary to "warm it up" more than sixty seconds, even in cold weather.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated at all times and keep the wheels aligned. You'll get better gas mileage and a longer life span out of your tires.
Safety
- Switching your headlights on during the day increases the chances you'll be seen, and studies show that it reduces the risk of multivehicle crashes by as much as 11%.
- Drive-thru fast food is risky, and not just because of the calories. Reaching for an on-the-go munchie can take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your attention away from driving. Your cell phone is also trouble--even if it's hands-free. Distractions of this type contribute to a quarter of all reported automobile crashes.
- Trade your pine tree car freshener for one laced with the scent of cinnamon or peppermint. These aromas increase drivers' alertness, note researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University
- Not sure if you've secured your child's car seat properly? Get a pro to tell you. Powhatan's Sherriff department can inspect and advise it for you.
- Even if you get an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles, break out the dipstick about once a week. Just be sure that the car is cool and sitting on level ground; if the oil mark is below the halfway point, add a quart. Every 6 months and only when the engine is cool, assess your levels of coolant. It's in the translucent plastic container in the engine compartment; the marks on the side indicate if you're getting low.
Preventive Maintenance
- Follow your vehicle's manufacturer's mainenance schedule.
- Listen for unusual noises that may be the tell tale signs of a pending mechanical failure.
- Visually look under your hood. Do you see leaks or hoses that seem to have bulges? If so, get them replaced.
- Emissions are very important, have them checked at the scheduled intervals.
- Fluid changes keep all of your parts operating in the manner in which they were intended. This includes coolants as well as lubricants.
- Ignitions systems can go bad over time. Have them checked often so you are not stranded.
We are committed to helping our
customers understand the maintenance and repairs we perform and guarantee every customer will be treated with
respect, integrity, and kindness.
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