Reducing cost of fuel and maintenance on automobiles
Reducing Cost of Fuel and Maintenance on Automobiles
Using a high performance motor oil is one way to increase the engine life of a vehicle and to improve the automobile’s fuel economy. Studies have been done to show that some, specific brands of motor oil improves fuel economy by approximately five percent and dramatically reduces the wear on the automobile engine. These oils allow for more miles between oil changes. With the savings that will be made between oil changes and the reduction of maintenance on the vehicle, paying a higher price for oil will save more money in the long run.
Another important way to save money on fuel for automobiles include keeping tires properly inflated. The U.S. Energy Department reports that low tires can increase fuel consumption by three percent.
It is important to change dirty air filters to enhance fuel efficiency approximately ten percent. The purpose of an air filter is to trap impurities from damaging the interior of the engine. Not only will this maintenance procedure save on gas but will also protect the engine.
Before stopping at the first gas station in sight, shop around for the lowest gas prices in the area. This is one sure way to decrease automobile fuel costs. Even paying just a few cents less per gallon will add up to money saved once the tank if filled.
Another way to save on fuel costs is to reduce the load of the vehicle. One hundred pounds less of weight in the vehicle increases mileage by two percent. When not in use, remove luggage and bicycle racks to increase mileage and aerodynamics.
If the vehicle has been idling in a parking lot or drive way for over one minute, turn the engine off to save on fuel. Also, if traveling forty miles per hour or less, roll down the windows to save gas instead of running the air conditioning. If going forty miles or more, turn on the air conditioner as windows that are open increase aerodynamic drag which can increase fuel costs.
Vehicle maintenance can be very costly once a problem has occurred. However, prevention is the key to saving money in automobile fuel and maintenance costs. At every 50,000 miles put on the vehicle, check the oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels. Replace belts and hoses when there are signs of wear, check the plastic or rubber boots that keep grime out of the velocity joints, and replace the timing belt before 90,000 miles.
To protect the inside of the car, armor-all the interior to maintain and protect it, especially when in direct sunlight. The car should also be washed each week during snow and ice to wash off salt from the under carriage of the vehicle to prevent damage.
Also, routinely take an automobile to a mechanic to be checked out for any problems going on that may not be obvious to the average individual.