Category Archives: Vehicle Maintenance

Do Fuel Additives Really Improve Gas Mileage?

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Every driver, especially in today’s economy, wants to improve gas mileage and save money. Courting these desires are enthusiastic advertising claims that fuel additives are the way to substantially save on fuel costs. But do fuel additives actually provide gas-savings? According to  the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information website, the touted advantages of fuel additives generally have little to back them up.

The vehicle engines of today are the product of decades of extensive research and technology. Engineers understand the demands placed on engines and have been able to design engines for optimal performance under the most challenging conditions. There are some fuel additives that may offer some modest benefits, however your engine was developed to perform without the need for enhancements like these.

If you are considering investing in fuel additives, rather than going with the recommendation of a clerk at your local auto supply chain, talk your mechanic. Your car care professional will have the experience and knowledge to advise you on the needs of your particular vehicle.

Fuel additives aside, here are some proven ways to improve your gas mileage:

Do not neglect  oil changes

Stay on schedule and use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil for optimal performance.

Maintain the correct tire pressure

Regularly check your tire pressure and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Regularly check tire tread

Keep in mind that worn out tires are not only unsafe, they cause your vehicle to operate less efficiently. 

Use cruise control  on the highway

Avoid getting a ticket and improve your gas mileage by maintaining a safe and consistent speed on the highway.

Always combine trips  

You’ll be surprised to find out how much you can save on gas by simply planning and combining trips. 

Resolved: Make Auto and Tire Care a Priority

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Are you the kind of driver that does not think twice about your car unless it doesn’t start? Do you only notice your tires if they are flat? Perhaps your 2016 New Year’s resolutions should include being more committed to preventative auto and tire care. Regular car and tire maintenance not only make sense for protecting and prolonging the life of your vehicle and tires, it also means that you’ll be safer on the road.

When it comes to taking care of your tires, the two main things you want to check regularly are tire pressure and tread depth. 

Make a note on your calendar to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Refer to your owner’s manual to find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. Don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare tire as well. 

Check the tread depth of your tires by using the penny test. Hold a penny so you can read “In God We Trust” across the top. Insert it into several different sections of the tire and look at Lincoln’s head.  If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it is time for a new set of tires. If the tread is in good shape, Abe’s head will be covered to about the forehead hairline.

To keep your vehicle running properly and performing at its best, you must stay on schedule with recommended regular maintenance services. It is always far less costly in terms of time and money to catch problems before they escalate. The following is a list of the services that are typically recommended, but be sure to consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s suggested services and frequency. 

  • Coolant Flush and Replacement
  • Oil Change
  • Fluid Checks – Power Steering and Brake
  • Brake Inspection
  • Check Belts & Hoses
  • Filters – Air and Fuel
  • Battery & Cables
  • Lights
  • Exhaust System
  • Windshield Washer Fluid & Wiper Blades

Both your vehicle and tires will benefit from regulartire balancing and rotation service performed in accordance with your owner’s manual recommended schedule. Tire balancing promotes even tire wear and provides a smooth ride by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle. Tire rotation is an essential maintenance step that will greatly extend the life of your tires. Manufacturers have specific recommendations, so be sure to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines.

Establishing a regular care routine allows you to drive with confidence knowing that you are traveling safely where ever the road takes you. You will also get to enjoy your vehicle and tire investment much longer.

Here’s wishing you a safe and fun-filled new year!

Are You Ready for Winter Driving?

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We are well into fall, and winter weather is just around the corner! Get ready for winter driving with these simple winter maintenance tips:

  • Inspect Your Tire Tread & Check Tire Pressure 
    Be sure to check your tire tread depth. Make sure you have at least 2/32″ of depth for best tire performance.  It is also important to check tire pressure. This should be done on a regular basis, but it is especially imperative to check tire pressure before winter arrives. Remember to also check your spare – you never know when you’ll need it.
  • Make Sure Your Antifreeze Tank Is Full
    It is important to maintain a full tank with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Clean, quality antifreeze will deliver the winter protection your vehicle needs.
  • Test and Inspect Your Battery
    Extreme cold temperatures can degrade car batteries internally and accelerate the rate of battery terminal corrosion. This will lead to a battery that is more likely to die. Don’t risk getting stranded! Check your battery cables to make sure they are clean and firmly attached to the terminals.
  • Check Your Washer Fluid & Wipers
    We use much more washer fluid in the winter, when dirty slush and snow continually hit the windshield. Keep the washer fluid tank full. Choose a winter cleaning formula that contains sufficient antifreeze ingredients to keep it from freezing. Also, be sure that your wipers are in decent shape to do their job. The blades should make full contact with the glass to thoroughly clean it. If you live in an area with heavy snow fall, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup, and promote good contact between the blade and the glass.

Once you have take these maintenance steps, you will be ready to face the ice and snow. Most importantly, in seriously hazardous winter driving conditions, remember to take it slowly and drive safely!

All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive

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Although the terms may sound similar, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are very different systems. On all-wheel drive vehicles, the drivetrain has a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. On a four-wheel drive vehicle, the drivetrain has two differentials and a transfer case to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. All-wheel drive is found on cars and crossover vehicles, while trucks and truck-based sport utility vehicles usually have four-wheel drive. Both all-wheel and four-wheel drive systems improve vehicle acceleration in slippery conditions, and can enable better handling on some types of roads or terrain.

All-wheel drive and  four-wheel drive can be worth the extra investment if you live in an area that gets heavy rain or snowfall for much of the year. Also, if you tend to do a lot of off-road driving or driving on unpaved roads, all-wheel or four-wheel drive will be a highly beneficial investment for you. Additional advantages to having all-wheel drive or four wheel drive include better traction with towing and often in some cases, added resale value.

There are drawbacks to having an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle. All-wheel and four-wheel drive systems mean lower fuel economy and often require more maintenance than standard vehicles. An advantage that four-wheel drive offers that  all-wheel drive does not is that it can be turned off, so you can only use it when you need it, saving that extra fuel cost.

If you are considering whether or not to invest in an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle for safer winter driving, keep in mind that selecting the right type of tire may be the best thing you can do to enhance safety and performance.

Three Signs of Wheel Alignment Issues

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Wheel alignment issues occur as a result of suspension and steering systems not operating at the correct angles. Misalignment is often caused by a collision or an impact, but also can be the result of suspension component wear, especially on older vehicles.

Three signs of wheel alignment issues include:

1. Uneven Tread Wear – When a vehicle is out of alignment, the tire tread will show obvious wear on one side rather than wear on both sides or in the middle.

2. Pulling to One Side – If a vehicle pulls or veers to the right or left, it is often due to misalignment. The pull does not happen when braking and tends to be consistent at certain vehicle speeds.

3. Steering Problems – When driving straight ahead, the steering wheel should be level or straight.  A change in the steering wheel position often means misalignment.

Wheel alignment issues can decrease the life of your tires by causing rapid and uneven tread wear. Properly aligned wheels optimize driving control and safety, while enhancing fuel efficiency and extending the life of your tires.

When you bring in your vehicle for wheel alignment services, your auto technician will adjust the angle of the wheels to be in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Precision equipment is used to set the proper alignment, and your technician will make sure that all the necessary adjustments are made.

If you notice any of the signs of poor wheel alignment, or you have recently had a collision or significant impact of some kind, be sure to have an alignment check as soon as possible. Not only will you be safer on the road, but your tires will thank you!

Five Ways to Extend Tire Service Life

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Tires are a serious investment. Not only in terms of what you pay for them, but also in light of what you have riding on them. Of your vehicle’s many components, few are as critical to your safety as your tires.  Proper tire care and maintenance will not only keep tires performing safely and at their best, it will extend the service life you will get from them.

Here are five easy ways you can extend tire service life:

1. Keep tires inflated to the recommended inflation level 
When tires hit the road with a pressure that is under the recommended inflation level, an additional load is placed on the shoulder of the tire, causing that area to wear prematurely. Underinflated tires also build up internal heat, which increases rolling resistance and in turn reduces fuel  economy. It is not easy to determine if tires are properly inflated by simply looking at them. It is important to use a tire gauge to check tire pressure regularly. Keep tires inflated to the level  recommended in your owner’s manual.

2. Regularly inspect your tread wear
Drivers don’t often think to check tread wear unless they are having problems or have been driving on roadways with unavoidable debris. Checking your tire tread regularly can catch wear trends before they have done too much damage. Problems can be spotted by visual inspection or by running your hand over the tread and feeling for problems. Potential issues include distortion in the tread, feathering or cupping. If caught early enough, bad wear patterns can be countered to extend the tire service life.

3. Make sure that your vehicle is properly aligned
A very common cause of unusual tread wear is poor vehicle alignment. When tires are unable to run straight ahead, accelerated tread wear occurs on certain parts of the tire. Regular alignment service will keep your vehicle from experiencing a variety of alignment related problems, including uneven and premature tread wear.

4. Keep up on regularly scheduled tire rotation
Along with regular alignment service, tire rotation should be performed on an ongoing basis. A consistent and documented schedule of tire rotation will promote even tread wear and extend tire service life.

5. Have wheel and suspension components inspected and replaced as needed
Wheel and suspension components can be the hidden enemies of tire service life. A wheel bearing that is not properly torqued can cause irregular tire wear. Worn shock absorbers can create depression wear on treads. Rather than waiting until trouble strikes, replace shock absorbers and other suspension components on a set schedule.

Five Signs That Your Brakes Need Attention

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Something we all take for granted each day is our vehicle brake system. Brake systems involve a number of integrated components, all of which are subject to wear and eventual failure. Brake system failure is one of the most dangerous car problems you can experience, and it could put your life and the lives of your passengers in danger.

Fortunately your vehicle has ways of letting you know that your brakes may be compromised. By paying attention to these five signs that you may have brake system issues, you can have problems addressed before they put your safety at risk.

1. Hearing Strange Noises

If you hear a high, screeching sound when you apply your brakes, there is a good chance your brake pads need to be replaced.

2. Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If you notice that your vehicle gravitates to one side when you are braking it might indicate that the brake lining is wearing unevenly or that the brake fluid is contaminated.

3. Brake Pedal Doesn’t Feel Right

If your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. A leak affecting the brake system could be an air leak in the brake hose, or a brake fluid leak.

If the brake pedal feels hard or very difficult to press, your vehicle might have a blockage in the brake line or have an issue in the vacuum system.

4. Feeling Vibration When Braking

You feel a vibration in your brake pedal during breaking that is similar to the vibration you feel when the anti-lock brakes feature engages when your vehicle starts sliding. A vibration or pulsating brake pedal can be a symptom of warped rotors.

5. Grabbing When Braking

If you experience a grabbing or jerking feeling when you apply the brakes, it could be an indication that the rotor is unevenly worn or that the brake fluid is contaminated and needs to be changed.

Along with these signs, the warning light on your dashboard will illuminate if your vehicle’s computer system senses any problems. Although sometimes these lights can come on even when there is not a problem, you should always take your vehicle in and let your service technician determine whether or not your brakes are okay.

Simple Car Maintenance: Windshield Wiper Check

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When your windshield wipers are worn or damaged, they will not be able to adequately clear the windshield. Windshield wipers are extremely important to ensure visibility for safe driving.

A number of factors contribute to the deterioration of your windshield wiper blades. These can include UV damage from the sun, oil from car waxes, dirt and other airborne debris, as well as salt and other contaminants in rain.

Checking your wiper blades every six months and replacing them annually is a very important part of your simple car maintenance routine.

Problems that mean your windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced include:

  • Corroded metal, particularly around the claws and joints
  • Frame is detached at any connection points or joints
  • Cracks, tears, or damage to the edge of the rubber squeegee
  • Lack of flexibility in the squeegee rubber
  • Rounding at the edges of the squeegee
  • Rubber blade is loose or not in secure in the frame

Along with inspecting your wipers, look for signs that your wipers are not working correctly:

  • Streaking on the windshield
  • Squeaking sound when in use
  • Skipping across the windshield

You can also care for your windshield wiper blades on a more frequent basis by cleaning your windshield and your wipers every time you fill your gas tank. In the winter months, clear snow and ice from your windshield before turning on your windshield wipers.

Simple Car Maintenance: Checking Accessory Belts

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This week’s installment in our series on simple car maintenance is all about checking accessory belts. If you have a newer vehicle, it probably uses a serpentine multi-accessory drive belt, which is a single ribbed belt that drives all the accessories, air conditioning system, power steering, alternator as well as other pumps and accessories. Older model cars and trucks may have separate accessory belts.

It is important to keep an eye on accessory belts because they wear and become damaged over time. A broken accessory belt can result in serious damage to the engine or its systems. Occasionally checking the accessory belt or belts will help you catch and replace a bad belt long before it breaks.

Check your accessory belt or belts by following these steps:

Inspect belt for signs of wear. Inspect the belt or belts when the engine is off and the car is cool. Along with the visual check, feel the condition of the belts checking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle areas.

Look for places on the belt where the rubber appears slick. Slick spots may cause a belt to slip and can be precursors to overheating and cracking.

Check the pulleys. Inspect the belt for rubber deposit build-up spots or worn spots that could catch and cause it to snap.

Note the belt tension. Feel the tension on the longest length of the belt; it should be tight, with little or no give.

Any squealing sounds you hear coming from the engine could mean a worn, loose or damaged belt. Listen to how the engine sounds with the hood up if you are not sure about the sounds you are hearing. Making sure the vehicle is parked, with the parking brake on, and have someone accelerate the engine while you listen. Always be sure to keep a safe distance from belts and components while the engine is running.

If you suspect you have a problem with accessory belt condition, be sure to get your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.

Simple Car Maintenance

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There are few possessions you depend on in life as much as your car. For most it is a huge investment. We rely on our cars each day to get us to work, help us run errands, and transport us to the fun destinations we enjoy in between. It is easy to take your ride for granted, but eventually the day will come when your vehicle will fail. If you don’t take proper care of it, that day maybe sooner than later.

Taking care of your vehicle means making sure that you take your car into a professional for the regular maintenance it needs. Not only do you need to protect your investment, you need to know that you and your passengers are as safe as possible while on the road.  Your trusted auto service provider can help you be sure your car stays in top condition.

There are also some basic auto maintenance things you can check on your own to keep your car running smoothly:

  • Oil Check
  • Engine Leaks
  • Air Filter
  • Accessory Belts
  • Wiper Blades
  • Tire Care

Over the next several weeks, I will expand on how to do these checks on your own. In the meantime, knowing your vehicle and finding a trusted local auto service professional will keep you driving safely,  reliably, and efficiently.