Motorists will have to dig deep into their pockets to gas up these days. No one has any control on such hefty price hike ups, but motorists can control how much gas they can use with proper vehicle maintenance and simple changes in their driving habits. Here are smart tips to spend less at the pump and spend some of that on auto care and get more savings in the long run.
- Tune up regularly. Stay on top of maintenance to keep engine running efficiently. A properly tuned up car increases gas mileage by 4 percent.
- Keep oil clean. Oil becomes thicker with age. Improve fuel efficiency by one to two percent by changing oil every 3,000 mile or every three months (whichever comes first). Use the right grade of oil recommended by car’s manufacturer.
- Check tire pressure. Tires that are inflated properly can improve gas mileage by 3.3%.
Blade carries tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) units and tire pressure gauges from OMP and Goodyear.
- Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters make it difficult for the engine to ‘breathe.’ Avoid clogging and improve engine performance and acceleration by replacing clogged air filters or cleaning them regularly.
- Fix gas cap. Damaged, loose, or missing gas caps should be replaced or fixed to keep gas from vaporizing.
- Modify driving style. Avoid quick stop and go driving and don’t be aggressive in traffic. Avoid idling by warming up the vehicle for one to two minutes tops.
- Lose unnecessary weight. Avoid hauling unnecessary items in your trunk or in your car. An extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by one to two percent.
- Avoid unnecessary short trips. Short trips and cold starts can use twice as much gas.
Motorists should never neglect proper car maintenance. Routine checkups save on fuel and help identify car troubles that need to be serviced to prevent bigger problems in the future that may be costlier to repair. Remember proactive car care goes a long way. For more car care tips and products, visit www.blade.ph
