10-Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

Little Shop of Motors LLC wants you to know that a properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will save you on gas bills. Plan to allow time to perform necessary maintenance yourself or at the local service facility.

3 Suggestions for Your 10-Minute Pre-Trip Checklist

1. Check all fluids - several fluids that require attention: engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission,  windshield washer solvent, and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and belts - a belt failure can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps that are in bad condition might need to be replaced.
3. Check the tires - check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also, look for bulges and bald spots.
   

Ways to Maximize Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

1. Vehicle gas caps - about 17% of vehicles have gas caps that are either damaged, loose, or missing causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.
2. Under-inflated tires - when tires aren't inflated properly it's like driving with a parking brake on. It can cost a mile or 2 per gallon.
3. Worn spark plugs - a vehicle can have either 4, 6, or 8 spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in electrical and chemical erosion from heat.
4. Dirty air filters - a clogged air filter will make the proportion of gas to air incorrect. This wastes fuel and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.
5. Don't drive aggressively - aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets.
6. Avoid excessive idling - sitting idle gets 0 miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for 1 to 2 minutes is sufficient.
7. Drive the speed limit - gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mile driven over 60 results in an additional 10 cents per gallon. Increase fuel efficiency by using cruise control.