Car Tips Page
Batteries -
Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed.
Extreme temperatures, battery age, and cranking power determine whether
a vehicle will start. Have an ASE-certified technician use professional
equipment to determine if the battery is weak and also check the
condition of the starter and alternator.
Brakes -
A thorough inspection at a service center should include a “wheels on”
inspection — to help identify wheel alignment problems, sticking
calipers, or warped rotors — as well as a “wheels off” inspection of the
various brake parts. Also check the brake fluid; low levels or high
moisture content can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. Make
sure the reservoir is filled to the MAX line with new brake fluid from a
sealed container. If moisture levels are too high, a complete flush and
fluid replacement may be needed.
Blades -
New wiper blades that were installed last spring may be ready for
replacement this fall. Examine the blades for cracks, tears, and
windshield contact. In addition, a thin layer of grime tends to build up
during the summer, which prevents the rubber blade from contacting the
glass and can result in smeared windshields and poor visibility.
Belts and Hoses -
Don't wait until a belt or hose breaks and leaves you stranded. Inspect
engine belts for cracking and pliability. If they are rigid, they should
be replaced. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out; test them for
spongy, brittle, or bulging areas.
In addition to the Killer B’s, a fall maintenance checkup
may include: changing the oil; checking the radiator fluid level and
temperature range; inspecting or replacing the air and cabin filters;
inspecting the heating and exhaust systems; rotating, balancing and
aligning the wheels; topping off all fluids; and checking tire pressure
and inspecting the treads for wear.
How to Improve Your Car’s Gas
Mileage
Gas prices are at record highs.
People are asking, “what can I do to
get better gas mileage when I
drive?”. These are some of the
things you can do to ensure improved
gas mileage for your car:
Driving Habits
Keep
your car clean. Mud on the
undercarriage can weigh a
significant amount and slow you
down.
Consolidate your daily trips and
errands. This will also save you
the cost of restarting your
engine, which uses a lot of gas.
Avoid
air conditioning when possible.
However, when driving at higher
speeds, having your windows open
also creates drag.
Don’t
throttle the gas or brake! Sudden
starts or stops use more gas than
gradual changes of speed.
Don’t
idle for too long. Turn off the
engine if you anticipate a lengthy
wait.
Limit
car warm-ups in winter
Clear
out the trunk. More weight, more
drag.
Avoid
high speeds. We know this is
almost impossible to resist but
you can improve your gas mileage
about 15 percent by driving at 55
mph rather than 65 mph.
Use
overdrive. If your car is equipped
with overdrive gearing use it as
soon as your speed is high enough.
Use
cruise control. Keeping a constant
speed is ideal for improving your
gas mileage.
Improve
the spark to your engine. This
way, the air and fuel mixture will
be burnt better.
Improve
your intake/output system. Helping
gas get in and exhaust out of your
vehicle will improve overall
performance and gas mileage.
Reduce
friction. Use high-quality or
synthetic motor oil.
Check
your oil! Low oil makes your
engine work harder.
Change
your filters. Dirty filters can
sometimes increase the amount of
fuel your vehicle is using by 10
percent.
Keep
tires properly inflated and
aligned. Check regularly to ensure
your tires are fully inflated and
your alignment is good.
Get regular engine tune-ups and
car maintenance checks. A lot can
go wrong with a car. Damaged spark
plugs or transmission problems can
also contribute to poor gas
mileage
Serving the communities of
Arnold, Fenton, High Ridge,
Imperial, Mehlville,
Oakville, St. Louis, Sunset Hills,
Valley Park
