Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on 5 Tips for Better Fuel Economy

There is not a driver on the road that doesn’t hate spending so much money on gas.  

The Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro has five tips to save gas and get better gas mileage.

Tip 1: Air Filter

A dirty air filter restricts air flow from going into the engine.  This will have an effect on the vehicle performance and fuel economy.  Some air filters can be cleaned, but some are made of paper and have to be replaced.  Click here for instructions on how to change an air filter.

Tip 2: Clean it Out

You do not realize how much extra and unnecessary weight you may be carrying around in your car.  We tend to spend so much time in our vehicles that we often fill them with things we really do not need.  Unload all that stuff you have tucked here and there and give the trunk a good cleaning too.  Keep only what you really need to have and the lighter load will help your auto use less gas.

Tip 3: Keep Tires in Check

When your tires do not have enough air there is more rolling resistance.  This means you burn extra fuel just to keep moving!  Check your tires when they are cooled.  Checking warm tires may cause inaccurate readings as warmed air within the tire creates increased pressure.  If you will take the time to regularly check your tires to ensure they are at the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, you will cut down on rolling resistance and your gas expenses.

Tip 4: Stock Tires vs. Performance

New performance wheels and tires can create visual appeal and offer improved handling, but they could be costing you gas too.  If you are riding on tires that are wider than the stock tires, you have increased your rolling resistance.  If you don’t want to go back to your stock tires, at least keep them handy for longer trips.  The narrower tread offers a smoother ride and helps increase your fuel economy.

Tip 5: Slow Your Roll

When you drive like you’re in a race car, you’re not only increasing your odds of having an accident, but hurting your gas mileage as well.  Even slowing it down to going no faster than the posted speed limit can help improve your fuel economy. 

As a professional mechanic, I know how to keep a car running its best.  Bad gas mileage is a big complaint for many drivers.  Following my five tips increases your fuel economy and saves you cash.

For more auto repair tutorials, mechanic tips, and automotive information from the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro be sure to check out the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Blog.  You can even schedule an auto repair in Columbia, SC by calling 803-735-7902.  Sanford’s Automotive Service - proudly serving the Columbia area since 1989. 

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on New Car Maintenance Costs

When the time comes to buy a new vehicle, new or used, you should always take the time to look into the maintenance costs of the car or truck before you complete the purchase. 

The cost to properly maintain one vehicle may vary greatly with another make or model.  The Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro is here to help guide you in making an auto purchase based on facts and figures.

Calculating Maintenance Costs

Auto maintenance costs cannot be determined by comparison to a similar make or model.  While one vehicle may run a few hundred for the first few years’ maintenance and upkeep, while another may cost over a thousand!  That is a fairly significant difference if you ask me.  And you cannot take maintenance shortcuts either.  Many automobiles have a strict maintenance schedule that is required to be maintained in order to keep your warranty intact.

Some auto makers will offer buyers a full maintenance package.  It may even be included in your purchase price. This is great for buyers as you will have no out of pocket maintenance costs, making it easier for you to actually get proper maintenance performed on the proper schedule.

There are a lot of places where you can compare automotive maintenance costs.  Consumer Reports is always a top choice.  They regularly assemble maintenance costs on a variety of cars and trucks.  Consumer Reports usually offers a wide range of information on the subject, in addition to being more current than some other sources.

 

More than Maintenance: Other Costs to Consider

A budget conscious buyer usually has more than the maintenance costs to consider with their new auto purchase.  These buyers will likely want to calculate expenditures like average costs of auto repairs and even the depreciation of the vehicle over a set number of years.  Either of these could be a surprise cost if you have not bother to check it out beforehand.

The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro always encourages handling easy auto repairs and auto maintenance tasks at home if you possess the proper information and skills to do so, but when you are looking at meeting the requirements to keep your new auto warranty in effect, D-I-Y is not usually allowed.  

If you need the assistance of an ASE Certified Master Mechanic with a great reputation, come straight to our auto repair shop or call 803-735-7902. Sanford’s Automotive Service has proudly served the greater Columbia, SC area since 1989.  Sanford’s offers the experience and skill you need with the superior customer service you deserve.