Maximizing Gas Savings: Prioritizing Vehicle Maintenance
With gas prices on the rise, many of us are feeling the pinch in our budgets.
You may have allocated a certain amount for vehicle-related expenses, but with fuel costs taking up a larger portion of that budget, you might be tempted to cut back on other areas, like scheduled maintenance.
According to news reports and industry studies, you're not alone. Nine out of ten personal vehicles on the road have at least one maintenance or repair item that hasn't been addressed. Some of these items pose serious safety concerns, while others are more likely to impact the overall cost of operating your vehicle.
So, what can we learn from professional vehicle owners, like fleet operators? Their livelihood depends on maintaining their vehicles, so they've mastered the art of scheduled maintenance. They understand that routine maintenance prevents expensive repairs and breakdowns, and they know that a well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel. Even a small decrease in fuel economy can affect their profitability, so regular maintenance is non-negotiable for them.
What does this mean for everyday drivers? Well, there's a good chance that you're neglecting some services that could improve your fuel economy. Here's a quick checklist: fuel system cleaning, transmission service, differential service, engine air filter, wheel alignment, oil change, and tune-up. Sound familiar? Can you honestly say that you've addressed all of these?
Let's say you invest $150 in catching up on some of these services at David's Automotive Repair. Assuming they combine to improve your fuel economy by 15%, what would that mean for your wallet?
On average, a personal vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. If you're getting 20 miles per gallon and gas is $3.50, you'd pay for the $150 worth of service and save an additional $165 over the course of a year. With gas prices at $4.50, you'd save $255, and at $5.50, you'd save $345.
From this, it's clear that the higher fuel costs, the more important it is to take care of your vehicle. Whether you drive a truck for work or recreation or need a large SUV for family needs, a 15% improvement in fuel economy can lead to significant savings—up to $660 a year if gas is $4.50 a gallon in The Colony.
So, don't put off those neglected services any longer. Schedule them at David's Automotive Repair and start saving money at the gas pump this year—and even more on repairs in the years to come.
If your car stalls at stoplights but runs while you are driving, the engine may be having trouble staying running at idle. The cause could be an air, fuel, ignition, or electrical problem.
Yes. A weak battery can cause warning lights, slow starting, flickering lights, and other strange electrical problems. Modern vehicles use many computers, and those computers need steady voltage to work the right way.
If your car squeals when you first start it, the noise may be coming from the serpentine belt or one of the parts that keeps the belt moving. The sound may last only a few seconds or continue until the engine warms up.
If your heater blows warm air on one side and cold air on the other, the HVAC system may not be directing air the right way. This is common on vehicles with dual-zone climate control, where the driver and passenger can choose different temperatures.
Discover the importance of alignments at David's Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX. Optimize your vehicle's performance. Call us today!
If your car smells like gas, take the odor seriously. A fuel smell can come from a fuel leak, EVAP system problem, loose gas cap, or another issue that lets fuel or fuel vapor escape.
If your headlights dim when you stop at a red light, the charging system may need attention. You may notice the lights get brighter again when you press the gas or start moving.
A soft or spongy brake pedal can mean there is a problem in the brake system. The pedal may feel like it sinks too far, feels weak, or does not give you the firm feel you expect when stopping.
If you hear a clicking sound when you turn, a worn CV joint is one of the most common causes. The noise may be louder during a sharp turn, such as when you pull into a parking space or make a U-turn.
If your car vibrates or shakes while idling , something may not be working the way it should.
