Gas saving Tips for your Automobile

While it is always wise to help conserve our countries natural resources, the price of gasoline has made even the most wasteful people think twice. Whatever your motivation is, here are some gas savings tips that may come in handy.

*Monitor your tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing your engine to work harder. The car manufactures installs a label on the inside of your driver side door. This lets you know how much air should be in your tires. (Let the tires cool down before checking the pressure.) Out -of- line wheels, as evidence of uneven tire wear, should be aligned by a professional repair facility using a computerized wheel alignment machine.

*Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.

*Consolidate tripe and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Plan ahead and run those errands together instead of separately. Also try to travel off peak hours when traffic is light so you can avoid stop and go conditions.

*Avoid excessive idling. Letting your car run for a long period of time while the engine is warming up in the winter will use excessive fuel. Shut your car off if you are waiting for a friend or relative.

*Observe speed limits. Speeding down the highway greatly increases the wind resistance and decreases your miles per gallon.

*Drive gently. Sudden acceleration guzzles gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed accordingly. This can also make a big difference if you drive a hybrid vehicle.

*Use windows and air conditioning wisely.  Limit the use of your air conditioning if possible and roll down your window for some fresh air. This will cause your engine to not work so hard especially in traffic and save you some fuel.  

*Keep your engine “tuned up”. A well maintained engine operates at peak efficiency and maximizes gas mileage. Follow the service recommendations listed in your owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended. Have engine performance problems (rough running, poor acceleration) corrected at a repair facility. If your “service engine soon” light is on, your car is letting you know something is wrong. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work down by a technician that is ASE certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only help save the environment and save you money, they will extend the life of your vehicle. If you fell you need to have your car serviced, you can call Auto Lab of Troy at 248-643-7690 or stop in at 2790 W. Maple Rd. We will be happy to discuss and address your concerns with you.

Mark Stull