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                The Expense of Cheap Gas    |    Potential Damage to your Vehicle from Rodents

Some Tips from AutoWorks

Did You know a properly maintained engine produces fewer greenhouse gasses?

The "check engine" or "service engine" light on your vehicle is part of an emissions monitoring system.  If your light is on your vehicle may be exceeding emissions standards.   If this light is flashing, your emissions system may be being damaged.

To be a responsible vehicle owner or driver you need not buy a hybrid or an electric vehicle. The first step is to properly use what you already have. Maintain your vehicles and reduce greenhouse gasses.

Tires and tire pressure should be inspected and checked regularly. Improper tire pressure will effect your vehicles braking, cornering, suspension wear and fuel economy. The manufacturer of your vehicle will post proper tire pressure on the inside of the driver's side door.    

All wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with four wheel anti-lock brakes must have matched tires. All four tires must be the same size and endure the same wear pattern. They must always be replaced as a set to prevent damage to these systems.    

Rotate your tires regularly to save money on tires and also save on fuel and repairs. Keep in tune with your vehicle - Identify problems before they become dangerous and costly.

We at Autoworks invite you to stop by, ask a question or two, meet the office staff and let us check your oil!

As the full service gas stations have gone by the wayside many important inspections have been ignored.

Answer these questions:

• When was the last time your oil and vital fluids where checked?
• When was the last time your tire pressure was checked? 
• When was the last time a visual inspection of your car was done?
• Do all of your lights work?
• Does the car behind you know you intend to stop or turn?

Your automobile is not only one of the largest investments you will make it also the most dangerous possession you may own. Treat your car or truck with the respect it deserves. Take care of it as a valued investment. You have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and all others on the road to maintain a safe and trustworthy vehicle.

Stop by and let us take a peek under the hood.  We at Autoworks are proud to help keep you and your cars running safely and efficiently.

23 Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage

With today's high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to make minor modifications to improve your gas mileage. These 22 tips will reduce the amount of gas you use while driving your vehicle.

1. Keep your tires properly inflated, and check them frequently. ¹
2. Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
3. Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends (5W-30 for most new cars).
4. Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
5. Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
6. Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
7. Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag.
8. Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it (check your owner's manual). Using it is an unnecessary expense.
9. Don't waste your money on those late night "as-seen-on-TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.
10. Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
11. Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time. ²
12. Avoid jack-rabbit starts.
13. Keep your speed at 55 mph, or less, whenever possible.³
14. For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning when driving down the freeway.
15. For older cars with inefficient air conditioning compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
16. Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights — decelerate and accelerate smoothly.
17. Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go several places, plan a route that allows you to run most, or all, of your errands in one outing.
18. Empty the trunk! Extra weight will weigh down your car unnecessarily. ⁴
19. Remove roof racks when not in use.
20. Carpool whenever possible or practical.
21. Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas.
22. Drive in the highest gear possible (without lugging the engine).
23. Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.

References to 23 tips list above

¹ According to the US Department of Energy, nearly 4 million gallons of gas could be saved nationwide each day for every one pound per square inch of tire under-inflation, compared to the mileage if all vehicle tires were kept inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

² The US Department of Energy estimates that for 145 million passenger vehicles idling 5 minutes per day, approximately 4 million gallons of gasoline are consumed without going anywhere.

³ According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a vehicle loses about 1% in fuel economy for every one mile per hour above 55 mph that it is driven. A passenger car that averages 30 miles per gallon at 55 mph could typically get 28.5 mpg at 60 mph, 27 mpg at 65 mph and 25.5 mpg at 70 mph. Remember, however, that for different speeds, the changes in fuel economy will vary by vehicle model.

⁴ Each 100 pounds of needless weight will cost up to one-half mile per gallon, on average