Tips & Emergencies
These simple tips below will ensure your vehicles best performance and it’s easy to do…
- Always consult your owner’s manual, but it is recommended to have the oil and oil filter changed regularly, every 3,000 miles.
- Check your tire inflation once a month. Under inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. Checking this regularly is the best way to prevent hazardous issues on the road and upkeep of safety and the least expensive.
- Have all fluids checked, this includes brake, power steering, transmission, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the in the safety and performance of your vehicle.
- Check battery the cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, however this is not necessary in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
- Check the windshield washer blades for cracks, ripples, tears and windshield contact. Replace them about once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
- Frequently check the vehicle lighting system. This includes headlights, turn signals, brake lights and tail lights.
- Maintain the air filtration. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for dirt obstruction or damage. The air system ensures the vehicles best horsepower and performance.
- Keep your engine tuned. A grimy spark plug or congested/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Have the chassis lubricated often. This step extends the life of the moving components of a vehicle’s suspension.
- Inspect the vehicle engine belts on a regular basis. Look for cracks, wear and missing segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
- Depending on your vehicle make and model, it is recommended that you refer to your owner’s manual for scheduled maintenance services.
Follow these simple recommendations and start saving fuel every time you drive…
- Be sure to tighten up your gas cap. By not clicking shut or fully tightening the gas cap means your fuel can escape through a loose cap! Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the car care council. Make sure to tighten up your gas cap each time you fuel up your vehicle.
- Park in the shade. Those hot summer days with the sun beating down harshly can make the inside of your vehicle feel like a sauna which in turn can also zap fuel from your gas tank.
- Got a garage that has no room for a vehicle? Clear it out and make room. Just like parking in the shade, also parking in your garage will help your automobile stay cool in the summer so you won’t guzzle gas by having that air conditioner cool it down before you start driving. As for the winter, just imagine not having to go out and scrape windows. Using your defroster to clear those windows burns fuel faster from your vehicle.
- Remember to pump up your tires. Driving on under inflated tires wears down your tires more quickly and they also lower your vehicle’s gas mileage.
- Be serious about auto care regarding your vehicle. Don’t cheat maintenance, your vehicle’s performance depends on it.
Winter tips for roadside emergencies and how to be prepared…
- When traveling long distances, check weather reports prior to leaving Before your trip, always let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. It’s always safe to delay your trip if bad weather occurs.
- If you have a cell phone, always bring it with you in case of an emergency. Pull over to the side of the road when you know it’s safe to make a call. If you belong to a motor club or roadside assistance service, keep their number or card in within reach. To be safe, pack blankets, gloves, a hat or knitted cap, food, water and any necessary medication. A handy duffle bag can do the trick to store these items in your trunk.
- It’s recommended to keep at least a half tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times, especially during the winter if you become stranded. Usually fill your tank when your fuel gauge reaches a quarter tank.
- In extreme conditions such as severe snow storms, always stay in your vehicle. By staying inside, it can shelter you from the worst elements. Leaving your vehicle in worse case conditions with blowing snow and blizzards, you can easily lose track of it.
- Try not to overexert yourself if you’re pushing your way out of snow.
- Always make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged or blocked by ice, snow or mud. Carbon monoxide can leak into the vehicle and be deadly if there’s a blocked exhaust.
- Tie a bright piece of cloth to your antenna or in a rolled up window. This will help rescuers find you. At night, turn on a dome light, with a healthy in-check battery, this will last you hours and can act as a distress signal.
- Use whatever you can to keep warm. You can insulate your body with maps, newspaper, extra clothing, floor mats and so on. If you curl into a ball, make sure you don’t cut off any circulation because if there’s no heat in your vehicle, not being able to feel your limbs can result in severe damage.
- If it’s possible, run the engine and heat just long enough to remove a chill then shut it off to conserve your fuel.
- Always perform maintenance checks or have your vehicle inspected. Make sure your vehicle is running healthy and strong to eliminate future problems while on the road. Call us today for an appointment to ensure your vehicle is running at it’s best.
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