 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Does Your Oil Make The Grade? Tip #1
Engine oils are graded (rated) by the American Petroleum institute (API), in two categories S (spark-ignition systems / gasoline) and C (Compression - ignition / diesel). API rating is generally found on the back side of oil containers, and may look like: API rating CD, SJ. The second characters in the rating identify the quality of oil. The further down the alphabet it is the better the quality of oil. So, buy the oil with the highest rating and the lowest price.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Don't Let Your Tread Wear You Down Tip #2
A simple way to check tire tread is to place a penny into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, you should buy a new tire. Also, visibly check the tread grooves and sidewalls of your tires to make sure that they're free of foreign objects, gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Take a Minute to Get Started Tip #3
Never try to start your car for more that 20 seconds at a time. It causes extreme amperage draw and can sometimes damage battery cables (even melt the protective insulation down). But more important than that is, it can ruin the starter. The starter is only designed for running short intervals. So take a one minute break between every 20 second interval of using the starter.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Tips for Finding a Good Repair Facility: Tip #4
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
- Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
- Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
- Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
- Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
Look for evidence of qualified repair technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Mileage Math Tip #5
Do you know what kind of gas mileage you are getting? Calculating this is simple. Start by filling up your tank. Write down the odometer reading or reset your trip gauge to zero. The next time you get gas, fill the tank again. (This is turning into an expensive experiment, isn't it?!) Divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the amount of gas you bought on the 2nd fill. This is your miles per gallon, or mpg.
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
Start Your Engines! Tip #6
Sub-zero starting - opening the throttle slightly may help starting especially if the engine hasn't been serviced recently and numerous deposits are in the throttle body.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Gauge Your Pressure Tip #7
Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Fill ’er Up Tip #8
Using gasoline that has a higher Octane rating than what is recommended for your vehicle will actually lower the fuel economy of your vehicle. Check the Owners manual for the correct octane level for your vehicle.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Complete Car Wash Tip #9
Flush dirt, bugs and leaves from the front of the radiator with a brush and garden hose.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Engines Breathe Too Tip #10
Studies have shown that 33% of all vehicles on the road have air filters in need of replacement. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder by providing insufficient air volume to burn the fuel dispensed by the injectors. Your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Weekly Self Check Tip #11
Tire air pressure that was last checked during the summer can be robbing you up to 15% of your vehicle’s potential Fuel Economy. Tires should be checked weekly. Never deflate tires that are warm from traveling, they will be under inflated when they cool.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Temperature vs. Tire Pressure Tip #12
For every 10° F. of temperature change, the air pressure in the tires changes 1 PSI, in cold weather the pressure goes down, in warm weather the pressure goes up. The only accurate way to test tire air pressure is when the vehicle has been setting for eight hours.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
